Jan. 16, 2011

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KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island women's basketball team dropped a 66-53 decision to Richmond on Saturday afternoon at the Ryan Center. Senior Megan Shoniker and junior Lara Gaspar led the way for Rhody with 16 points apiece.

Shoniker also recorded seven rebounds and a game-best five assists while freshman Kerry Wallack pulled down a game-high 10 boards.

As a team, Rhode Island held a 42-30 rebounding advantage, marking the 11th time this season that the Rams won the battle of the boards. Richmond, meanwhile, finished the day 45.6-percent (26-of-57) from the field - despite shooting just 27.6% in the first half.

The Rams (6-11, 0-2) opened the game on a tear, outscoring Richmond 17-9 over the first eight minutes of play before the Spiders rallied back with a 7-0 run to cut URI's lead to one (17-16) midway through the half.

A layup by senior Caitlin Kearns put Rhode Island back on top by three (21-18) but Richmond went on to net three of its next four attempts from the line to even things up at 21-21 with 1:29 left in the half. The Rams would then take a 23-22 lead into the locker room.

Wallack led all players at the break with 10 rebounds for URI, which held a 31-13 advantage on the glass over the first 20 minutes of play. Richmond, meanwhile, connected on just 8-of-29 attempts from the field but forced the Rams into 13 turnovers while committing just two of their own.

The Spiders (12-5, 3-0) returned to the floor and used a 20-9 push over the first six minutes to move in front by ten points (42-32) after a three-pointer by Samantha Bilney. A basket by junior Sherrie Session cut Rhody's deficit to eight (42-43) with 13:33 left to play but that was as close as the Rams would get as the Spiders led by double-digits the rest of the way.

Abby Oliver led the way for Richmond with a game-high 24 points while Crystal Goring recorded 13 points and 10 rebounds. Brittni Shells also scored in double figures for the Spiders as she finished with 17 points and a game-best four steals.

The Rams return to action on Wednesday night when they host Charlotte at 7 p.m.