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

Saint Joseph's Starters
Stinson, Stokes, Snead, Casey, Jekot

How it Happened
Rhode Island withstood a tough test from Saint Joseph's to set a program record with its 14th straight win, beating the Hawks 69-61 Wednesday night.

A suffocating defensive effort and fourth-quarter offensive outburst from Brooklyn Gray sparked the Rams (20-2, 11-0 Atlantic 10) to the victory. Rhody did not allow a field goal for more than seven minutes in the final quarter as it pulled away down the stretch.

The visiting Hawks (15-7, 6-5 A-10) led 53-50 following an Aleah Snead 3-pointer. From there, Brooklyn Gray began to take over, scoring the game's next eight points to push Rhody in front 55-50 with just under five minutes remaining.

Rhode Island never let the lead dip below three points. An 8-2 spurt that included a Palmire Mbu drive, two Brooklyn Gray free throws, a Vanessa Harris jumper and two free throws by Ines Debroise extended URI's lead to 63-54. The lead got to as many as 11 points in the final minute, and Rhody secured its 11th straight league win.

Inside the Box Score

• Rhode Island extended its win streak to 14 games, the longest in program history. The previous record was set by Tammi Reiss' 2021-22 squad.
• This is the fourth 20-win season for Reiss in seven seasons at Rhode Island. There were two 20-win seasons for the Rams in program history before Reiss arrived.
• URI won the fast break points battle 17-7.
• Rhode Island scored 20 points from the free throw line (20-of-25), while the Hawks were 10-for-12.
• Brooklyn Gray led URI with 21 points, and added eight rebounds.
• She had 10 points and five rebounds in the fourth quarter alone.
• Vanessa Harris had 13 points and four rebounds off the bench.
• Sophia Vital put up 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
• Palmire Mbu contributed nine points, 11 rebounds, three blocks, one assist, and one steal.
• Ines Debroise tacked on nine points, two assists, and one rebound.
• She was perfect from the charity stripe, hitting all seven of her attempts, including 4-for-4 in the fourth quarter.
• Albina Syla totaled six points, six rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Up Next
Rhode Island hosts Saint Louis on Sunday, Feb. 8. The game tips at 12 p.m. and will stream on ESPN+ and the Varsity Network.