Rhode Island Starters (1-0)
Phillips, Magassa, Hyman, Toure, Davis

Sacred Heart Starters (0-1)
Pryor, Bonner, Johnson, Tucker, Wood

How it Happened
The Rhode Island women's basketball team throttled Sacred Heart on Tuesday night at The Ryan Center, picking up a 91-40 win in its season opener. 

It was a well-rounded showing for the Rams, who recorded 22 assists while scoring 58 points in the paint. In 40 minutes, URI did not give up any points off of its six turnovers and finished the night with a 38-37 advantage on the glass. 

Rhode Island's offense found its rhythm early, helping the team jump out 15-6 at the start. Dee Dee Davis piled up five assists in her first few minutes as a Ram to propel the scoring. 

In contrast, the Pioneers struggled to perform at the start of the game and were held scoreless for a nearly 12-minute stretch between the first and second quarters. Sacred Heart turned the ball over 12 times in the first half while the Rams built their 39-15 lead. Tenin Magassa's 15 points matched the Pioneers' total when the teams went into the break. 

Sacred Heart's difficulties followed them into the third quarter, as the Rhody defense limited its visitors to zero points for another six-minute stretch. The Rams made 10-straight shots from the floor to take a 30-point lead with two minutes to go in the period and were up 66-27 by the end. 

URI kept its foot on the gas in the final 10 minutes, and went on to surpass 90 points for the first time since a 106-42 victory over Merrimack on Nov. 12, 2021. Sophie Sene provided a final highlight when she came in off the bench and sank a pair of free throws to put her team up by 50. 

Inside the Box Score

• The Rams' 58-12 advantage in points in the paint was boosted by the efforts of Mayé Touré and Tenin Magassa, who finished with 20 and 17, respectively. 
• Both Touré and Magassa hauled in six boards apiece, with the latter adding six blocks. 
• Anaelle Dutat finished just shy of a double-double with 10 rebounds and eight points.  
• Rhode Island did not turn the ball over once in the second half. 
• Dee Dee Davis (six assists) and Teisha Hyman (five assists) showcased their ability to distribute the ball. Hyman added nine points, while Davis scored seven. 
• Sophie Sene netted a career-high six points and made every shot she took (2-2 FG, 2-2 FT).
• Every player that was dressed saw the floor for the Rams. True freshmen Eva DeChent, Sophia Vital and Katie Ledden made their collegiate debuts. 
• DeChent scored five points and nailed her first career trey. 

Up Next
The Rams will remain at home at The Ryan Center for a game against UMass Lowell on Friday, Nov. 10. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 p.m. and the action will be streamed on ESPN+.