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

George Washington Starters
Reynolds, Lewis, Engel, Andrews, Mott

How it Happened
A stifling defensive effort helped No. 5 Rhode Island grind out a 52-41 victory over No. 12 George Washington and earn a spot in Atlantic 10 Championship Quarterfinals.

Facing a team it lost to just five days ago, the Rams (17-15) limited GW (11-19) to single-digit point totals in each of the final three quarters.

Despite the outstanding defensive, Rhody led by just four with 6:13 to go after two Gabby Reynolds free throws pulled the Revolutionaries within 41-47.

Rhode Island put the game out of reach with an 8-0 run. Harsimran "Honey" Kaur started the run with two free throws, and Sophie Phillips drained a 3-pointer to extended the lead to eight. Ines Debroise converted a turnover into a layup and Anaelle Dutat capped the run with a free throw to put the Rams up 49-37.

George Washington tried to extend the game with fouls, but Rhode Island was able to maintain control in the closing minutes.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island head coach Tammi Reiss is 5-2 over the last three seasons at the Atlantic 10 Championship.
• Center Harsimran "Honey" Kaur led the Rams with 12 points and 11 rebounds, her ninth double-double of the season.
• Guard Ines Debroise was the second Ram in double digits with 11 points and three assists.
• She was outstanding at the line, hitting 7-of-8.
• Point guard Sophia Vital had nine points and six rebounds,
• Rhody won despite shooting 21 percent from the floor (13-of-62).
• The Rams were 21-of-26 at the free throw line.
• The defense forced 18 turnovers, which led to an 18-7 edge in points off turnovers.
• URI also had a 16-4 edge in second-chance points.

Up Next
Rhode Island will play No. 4 Saint Joseph's in the quarterfinal round on Friday, March 7 at 1:30 p.m. The Rams won the lone meeting during the regular season, 70-65, on Feb. 19. The game will stream live on Peacock.