University of Rhode Island

Rhode Island Starters
Borrellas, Hill, Newson, Stewart, Vital

Columbia Starters
Broom, Feldrappe, Henderson, Stevenson, Weiss

How it Happened
Rhode Island fell to Columbia, 76-62, on Friday evening at the Opening Statement, hosted by Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn.

Despite a slow start, Rhode Island (0-2) battled back and cut the deficit to five points midway through the fourth quarter. Columbia (2-0) responded with timely 3-pointers from Mia Broom and Chloe Dix in the game's final three minutes to pull away and secure the victory.

Rhode Island struggled offensively in the opening quarter, shooting just 3-of-16 from the field while Columbia found its rhythm on the offensive end. The Lions capped off a dominant first quarter with a straightaway 3-pointer from Broom as time expired, taking a 19-6 advantage into the second.

The Rams refused to go away, outscoring the Lions in both the second and third quarters. Rhode Island steadily chipped away at the deficit in the second quarter, trimming Columbia's lead to single digits before halftime. A back court steal and basket by Sophia Vital in the closing seconds sent the Rams into the break trailing 31-22.

Following a back-and-forth third quarter, Rhode Island continued to apply pressure in the final frame. Martina Borrellas, Delanie Hill, and Amori Jarrett each converted baskets during the final eight minutes that brought the Rams within five points of the Lions.

Columbia had an answer for each Rhode Island surge, using timely perimeter shooting to keep the Rams at bay and seal the victory.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island forced 17 Columbia turnovers. 
• Four Rams were in double figures.
• Junior Martina Borrellas notched a game-high 14 points with nine rebounds and two steals.
• Senior Sophia Vital had 12 points, six assists, five rebounds, and a pair of steals.
• Junior Delanie Hill had 10 points and three rebounds.
• Freshman Alex Newson had 10 points and five rebounds. 
• Sophomores Amori Jarrett and Amaya Stewart each had six points, respectively. 
• Stewart added six rebounds.  

Up Next
Rhode Island will stay in Nashville, Tenn. and face South Florida on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Belmont's Curb Event Center. The game will begin at 1 p.m. and be streamed on ESPN+.