Rhode Island Starters
Gray, Habib, Mbu, Syla, Vital

Merrimack Starters
Fiore, Garcia, Manion, Melashenko, Roman

How it Happened

Rhode Island used an explosive first quarter to propel itself to a 84-46 dominant win over Merrimack in its home opener on Friday night.

The Rams outscored the Warriors 28-4 in the open frame setting up for their first 80-plus point performance of the season. Palmire Mbu scored eight of her 14 points in the first quarter to lead the Rams. Her 14 points is a new career high.

Merrimack settled in during the second quarter outscoring Rhode Island 15-14 over the period leading to a 42-19 halftime lead for the Rams.

Rhode Island's dominance lied in the paint. The Rams out rebounded the Warriors 48-26 and scored 50 points in the paint. Eight Rams recorded three or more rebounds. Both Ines Debroise and Mbu had eight rebounds. That is a new career high for Debroise.

Rhode Island closed the game out strong with a 23-point fourth quarter. The Rams tightened their defense over the final quarter. Merrimack shot 3-of-18 in the fourth quarter and had one made field goal over its last nine attempts. Rhody made its final four shots of the game.

Inside the Box Score

• Palmire Mbu's 14 points was tied for a game-high. She added eight rebounds and three assists.
• Freshman guard Vanessa Harris had a career high 13 points off the bench for Rhode Island. She hit two three-pointers and added three rebounds and three assists.
• Albina Syla notched a career high 12 points on 5-of-10 shooting from the field. She also had six rebounds.
• Ines Debroise had 10 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. 
• Brooklyn Gray recorded eight points with three rebounds and three assists.
• Freshman center Aimée Michel made her collegiate debut and had seven points in 16 minutes. 
• Rhode Island had 19 assists on 32 made baskets.
• The Rams shot 54 percent from the field and held Merrimack to  28 percent from the field. 
• Rhode Island never trailed in the game. 

Up Next
Rhode Island hosts Emmanuel at the Ryan Center on Monday, Nov. 10. The game is set for 6 p.m.