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GW versus Rhode Island Game (1)
The Rhode Island Rams (URI) visit the Smith Center on Wednesday for a mid-morning matchup with GW. The Rams sit atop the A10 conference with a 3-0 record and are 12-2 overall. Their wins include a victory over preseason A10 favorite Richmond and the ACC’s NC State (ranked 16th at the time). Their only losses have come at the hands of Rutgers and Princeton (currently ranked 25th nationally). URI is the A10’s stingiest defense, allowing just 54 ppg, translating into a 15.4 margin of victory per game. The Rams have a trio of double-figure scorers, led by Palmire Mbu (13.1 ppg and 6.2 rpg). Brooklyn Gray (12.5 ppg) and Vanessa Harris (12.0 ppg) are close behind. 6’5” Center Albina Syla adds 7.3 ppg, and a team-leading 6.4 rpg. The Ram defense is anchored by Ines Debroise, who was a preseason All-A10 Defensive Team selection.
URI is arguably the best team that GW will face to date, with great balance and no significant weaknesses. After losing the past two games to A10 opponents that were slated to finish at the bottom of the A10, the schedule gets tougher for the Revs, with URI, and then George Mason (picked to finish 2nd) on deck. Defensively, GW will be challenged by multiple scoring threats and a big height disadvantage. Look for Loving to get extended minutes if Syla starts to dominate. The Revs have to make the Rams work for their scores, but stay away from unnecessary fouls. GW’s offense has been disjoint of late, losing focus and concentration at critical times. The URI defense will make things difficult enough, so GW needs to stay composed, avoid careless turnovers, and make better decisions on when to drive to the basket. The Revs also need a consistent second scoring option, or Reynolds will continue to have tough outings. This can happen by committee, but everyone will have to step up and focus on playing team basketball. In most of their contests this season, GW has gotten off to slow starts, which has put them in catch-up mode often. Perhaps some rotation adjustments are in order. Although this game offers a great learning experience for the young GW squad, it will take a Miami-like performance for the Revs just to compete, and anything less could yield an unwelcome result.
After this game, a Sunday clash with local rival George Mason on national TV.
Last edited by xAC (1/06/2026 5:37 pm)
- dmvpiranha
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Re: GW versus Rhode Island Game (1)
Although the team ran out of steam towards the end, great effort today. Took much better care of the ball compared to the La Salle game. The Explorers had played well, but WBB had also not played to their full ability.
James had some nice shot-making and Lewis was effective inside. I thought the offense looked really good in general. Defensively, the team needs to make sure to get back as URI made a lot of shots by simply beating GW back up the floor. If WBB plays like they did today, they will win many games moving forward.
- xAC
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Re: GW versus Rhode Island Game (1)
GW falters late, loses to Rhode Island 79-70 for 3rd straight defeat.
After leading for the first 3 quarters, GW succumbed to the Rams balanced attack that produced 4 double figure scorers led by Gray’s 23 points. 5’3” Sophia Vital added 19 points and a career-high 14 rebounds to go, with a game-high 5 assists. For over 3 quarters, GW was able to keep pace, thanks to the play of Lewis, who finished with 16 points, and significant contributions by Wilson, Reynolds, James, and Theodorsson. Although GW was able to match URI’s output from the field (both teams made 29 field goals), there was a large disparity in free throws, where the Rams’ 22-8 advantage in attempts was the difference in the game. Both Lewis and Reynolds had their minutes limited because of early foul trouble, but the rest of the team held up well in their absence.
GW played very well in this contest, limiting turnovers, and making a high percentage of their inside shots. Gradually, the URI talent wore down the GW defense, repeatedly scoring inside the paint or drawing fouls. When the Rams needed a lift, Gray took over, and single-handedly kept them in the game in the 2nd quarter. Officiating notwithstanding, GW has to find a way to keep from fouling-- although Gray led the way, she did so on 21 field goal attempts, whereas Lewis (12 attempts), and Reynolds (10 points on 9 attempts) were constrained by their limited time on the court. The Revs have to learn how to play as they did today consistently. Had they played this way in their previous two outings, the outcomes would have probably been different.
George Mason, another top tier A10 opponent visits GW on Sunday. Which GW team will they face?
Last edited by xAC (1/07/2026 1:34 pm)
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