Rhode Island battled with in-state Brown, running away with the eventual 63-58 win at the Ryan Center Saturday afternoon. The first quarter was very back-and-forth. The Rams (4-3) held the visiting Bears to single digits in the opening period, and used a 7-0 run to build their lead at the first media timeout (11-7). After the break, Rhody’s stingy defense held Brown (2-4) scoreless for over three minutes, and the Rams connected on 2-of-4 at the free throw line to go into the second up 13-9. In the second quarter, Brown got within one (17-16) but that was as close as the Bears could get. The Rams then went on another tear, scoring seven straight points to add to their lead, and didn’t look back. The hosts led by as many as 15 points in the quarter, capped by a layup by Hawa Komara. Rhody went into the break up 37-24. URI had a slow start to the third, unable to connect on a field goal until about three minutes into the quarter while Brown scored six straight points. After that, the Rams continued to push their lead, not letting it get below double digits the rest of the period.   The Rams matched their season-low shooting percentage in the fourth quarter, connecting on just 2-of-12 from the floor. Brown’s Grace Arnolie scored 11 of her game-high 27 points in the final 10 minutes, helping the Bears start the period with an 8-0 run. It wasn’t enough for the visitors, however, as Rhody connected of 4-of-4 at the free throw line down the stretch and was able to pull away for the win.   Inside the Box Score There were two Rams who collected double-doubles, led by Palmire Mbu’s first of her career. Mbu paired 13 points with 13 rebounds and added three blocks and a steal. Harsimran “Honey” Kaur had a double-double as well, adding 12 boards and 11 points. Sophie Phillips led the way with 16 points. The Rams dominated the boards, 54-37. 28 of Rhody’s 54 rebounds came on the offensive end. In the first half, the Rams had 17 offensive rebounds to Brown’s 13 total boards. Up Next The Rams make the trip to Mexico to face Iowa and Idaho State in the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun Challenge on Thursday and Friday next week. The games will be available to stream on FloCollege. Categories: Sports