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

No. 22 Iowa Starters
Stremlow, Affolter, Feuerbach, O'Grady, Stuelke

How it Happened
A seven-minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter doomed Rhode Island in its 69-62 loss to No. 22 Iowa Thursday night in the opening game of the Cancun Challenge. The Rams (4-4) were tied 49-49 with the national-champion runner-ups going into the final 10 minutes. 

Iowa (7-0) started the game strong and had a 11-6 advantage at the first media timeout. The Hawkeyes steadily built their lead to as many as nine points (19-10), but Rhody used a 5-0 run to close the quarter and cut the deficit to four (19-15).

Rhode Island couldn't gain momentum in the second and was unable to connect on a basket until a Sophie Phillips 3-pointer with 4:58 in the quarter. After the drought, the Rams then scored eight straight points that included an Anaelle Dutat 3-pointer and a successful trip to the free throw line for Hawa Komara. Rhody had its first lead after a Sophia Vital floater made it 25-23. The stingy URI defense held Iowa scoreless for over five minutes of the quarter, and just six points (3-of-15 from the floor). Rhody went into the half with the lead over the nationally-ranked team (26-25). 

The Hawkeyes came out of the break strong, storming back and scoring 23 points in the third. Aaliyah Guyton knocked down back-to-back 3-pointers to put Iowa on top 40-39. The teams traded baskets, going bucket-for-bucket and a Palmire Mbu layup put the Rams on top 43-42. A quick 6-0 run by Iowa put the Hawkeyes up 48-43  but Harsimran "Honey" Kaur hit two straight 3-pointers to give the Rams the lead (49-48). Hannah Stuelke drew a foul and went 1-of-2 at the line to knot the score at 49-49 going into the final 10 minutes.

Iowa ran away in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 straight points to establish a 12 point lead (61-49). The Rams were held scoreless until a Vital basket at 3:21 got the Rams within 10. Sophie Phillips hit a big 3-pointer with 47 seconds to go to make it a six-point game, but Iowa connected on 3-of-4 at the free throw line down the stretch to secure its seventh straight win. 

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island was led by Harsimran "Honey" Kaur who matched her career-high 21 points. She shot 4-of-5 from downtown. 
• Ines Debroise was the second Ram in double-digits, adding 12 points.
• Sophia Vital was a force off the bench, adding seven points and dishing out five assists to one turnover. 
• After not missing a 3-pointer in the third quarter, the Rams went cold from deep in the fourth (1-of-6).
• The Hawkeyes entered the game outscoring opponents by +21.5 points per game, and averaging 81.5 points. 
• The game was the first-ever match up between Iowa and Rhode Island. 

Up Next
The Rams have a quick turnaround, facing Idaho State Friday afternoon at 4 pm. The game will be on FloCollege.