Rhody Starters
Melendez, Wilson, Ward, Bullard, Lewis

Richmond Starters
Murphee, Hubbard, Tolson, Okoro, Brown

How It Happened
Rhode Island battled back from several deficits, but came up just short in a 54-50 loss to Richmond Friday night at the Ryan Center.

Down 52-48 with 46 seconds to go following a bucket by Richmond's Genevieve Okoro, Rhody's Symone Bullard hit a layup with 37 seconds remaining to pull the Rams within two points. After Richmond's Kylie Murphee missed the front end of a one-and-one, Rhode Island had a chance to tie it but Tayra Melendez' runner rimmed out with nine ticks left on the clock. Richmond's Lauren Tolson hit a pair of free throws with seven seconds to go to ice the game for the Spiders.

Richmond (13-8, 5-3 A-10) started the game on a 9-0 run, the largest lead for either side all night. Rhode Island (12-8, 4-4 A-10) responded with an 8-0 run of its own, starting off a half of runs. Rhody finished the first frame on a 12-0 run over the final 3:59, taking a 28-23 lead into the break. Freshmen Dominique Ward and Charise Wilson each scored four points during the spurt for the Rams.

Richmond opened second half with a 16-4 run and led by as many as eight points following a Janelle Hubbard bucket to go up 42-34 with 12:50 remaining. From there, the Rams continued to battle back and did take a lead, but the Spiders pulled out the victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Junior Samantha Tabakman recorded season-highs in both blocks (4) and points (12). She was a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and 2-for-2 from the line. 
• Freshman Charise Wilson reached double digits for the 18th time in 20 games, finishing with 14 points, three rebounds and two assists. 
• Junior Tayra Melendez tied her career high with 14 rebounds, her fourth time this season with 10 or more in a game. Melendez has had double-digit boards three times in the last five games.
• Senior Sydney Lewis was the third Ram in double figures with 10 points and added four rebounds.
• Richmond had sizeable advantages in points off turnovers (23-12) and second chance points (18-8).

Stat of the Game
15 – Rhody and Richmond combined for just 15 free throw attempts. Richmond was 6-for-9, while Rhode Island was 5-for-6.

What's Next
Rhode Island is back at home for a game against Massachusetts Wednesday, Feb. 4. Game time is 7 p.m.