Rhode Island Starters
Phillips, Komara, Dutat, Kaur, Debroise

Maine Starters
Rockwood, Blauenfeldt, Talon, Gallego, Bornemann

How it Happened
A cold-shooting fourth quarter hurt Rhode Island as it fell to Maine 57-53 Wednesday night.

The opening quarter was a back-and-forth affair with four ties and two lead changes. Rhody (2-2) opened a 9-4 lead midway through the period on the first career basket for Palmire Mbu. The visiting Black Bears (2-1) responded by making their next five field goal attempts, including 3-pointers by Sera Hodgson and Paula Gallego to take a 16-13 lead. A second-chance basket by Hawa Komara pulled URI within one before the quarter ended.

The score remained tight in the second. Rhody limited Maine to 4-of-13 from the floor – including 0-for-5 from the perimeter – as the Black Bears scored just 10 points. However, four turnovers hurt the Ram offense, which scored 14 points despite shooting 3-for-7 from deep. A 3-pointer from Sophie Phillips late in the half helped URI take a 29-26 edge into the break.

With Rhody trailing 41-40 late in the third, Palmire Mbu sparked a quick 5-0 run. She drained a 3-pointer, then came up with a steal and fed Harsiman "Honey" Kaur for a layup to get the Rams back ahead, 45-41. Rhody took a two-point lead into the final stanza.

Maine opened the fourth on a 7-2 run to pull ahead 50-48. Rhody started the period 2-of-10 from the field, struggling to find rhythm. The Black Bears led 56-53 after Harsiman hit a fastbreak layup off a pass from Debroise with 44 seconds to go.

Maine ran the shot clock down to one second and Sarah Talon drew a foul to get to the free throw line. She made 1-of-2 for a 57-53 lead with 14 seconds to go. Rhody was unable to score again, as the Black Bears got the win.  

Inside the Box Score

• Forward Anaelle Dutat scored 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, including 2-of-3 from the arc. t was her third consecutive game scoring in double digits.
• Dutat is now 4-for-10 from long range on the year. She did not attempt a 3-point shot in her first two seasons.
• Guard Ines Debroise had an excellent game at the point, scoring seven points to go with seven rebounds and six assists.  
• The seven rebounds set a new career best, and Debroise did not turn the ball over.
• Harsimran "Honey" Kaur led the team with 11 points to go with four boards and two blocks.
• Freshman forward Palmire Mbu made her Rhody debut and had nine points, three rebounds and two blocks in 16 minutes.
• On her first touch, she caught a full-court pass from Anaelle Dutat and scored on a fastbreak layup.
• Forward Hawa Komara had six points, eight rebounds and two steals.
• Rhode Island committed 14 turnovers, including four in each of the first three quarters.
• After committing at least 15 fouls in each of the first three games, Rhode Island was whistled just eight times Wednesday.
• The Rams were just 10-for-18 at the free throw line, including 1-for-5 in the final quarter.

 Up Next
Rhode Island is back at home when it hosts St. John's on Sunday, Nov. 17. Game time is 2 p.m. on ESPN+.