SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — In a game defined by defensive pressure and a decisive fourth-quarter surge, the Rhode Island Rams pulled away from the Albany Great Danes for a 64-52 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball matchup on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Ryan Center.

A crowd of 1,172 watched as the Rams, now 4-1 on the young season, used a 24-point fourth quarter to break open what had been a tight contest through the first thirty minutes. The Great Danes, who fell to an even 2-2, could not find an answer for Rhode Island’s late-game execution and ability to capitalize on mistakes.

The game was a back-and-forth affair for the first three quarters. Albany opened the scoring with an Anais Levasseur 3-pointer and held a narrow 11-10 lead midway through the first period. Rhode Island responded to close the quarter on a 5-0 run, capped by a Valentina Ojeda 3-pointer just before the buzzer, to take a 15-11 lead.

Albany chipped away in the second quarter, with Julia Palomo and Lara Langermann connecting from beyond the arc to keep pace. The Rams maintained a slim advantage, however, heading into halftime with a 26-23 lead. The third quarter saw Albany mount its most consistent challenge, outscoring Rhode Island 13-14 to enter the final period trailing by just four points, 40-38.

The final frame, however, belonged entirely to the home team. Rhode Island’s offense found its rhythm, while their defensive intensity forced Albany into costly errors. The Rams opened the quarter on a 14-5 run, fueled by transition baskets and second-chance opportunities. A Vanessa Harris 3-pointer with just over two minutes remaining pushed the Rhode Island lead to 54-47, effectively sealing the game.

Albany’s offense, which had shown patience and efficiency at times, faltered down the stretch against the Rams’ relentless defense. The Great Danes committed 16 turnovers, which Rhode Island converted into 19 points. The Rams also dominated the glass, securing 11 offensive rebounds that led to numerous critical second-chance points and a 30-20 advantage in points in the paint.

Rhode Island was led by a balanced and impactful effort from Brooklyn Gray. The Rockford, Illinois, native played 36 minutes and filled the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, providing steady leadership throughout the contest. She was supported by Palmire Mbu of Lille, France, who also tallied 12 points and seven rebounds, adding two blocks as a disruptive force in the paint. Ines Debroise, from Paris, France, contributed eight points, six rebounds, three assists, and was a key part of the defensive effort with multiple steals.

For Albany, the offensive load was shared, but the team struggled with consistency. Julia Palomo, from La Seu d’Urgell, Spain, led the Great Danes with 11 points. Lara Langermann of Breckerfeld, Germany, added 10 points and three assists, while Delanie Hill from Charlotte, North Carolina, chipped in eight points. Amaya Stewart of West Reading, Pennsylvania, facilitated the offense with a team-high four assists.

Statistically, the game was closer than the final score indicated. Both teams shot a similar percentage from the floor, with Albany finishing at 43.8 percent on 21-of-48 shooting and Rhode Island at 46 percent on 23-of-50. The Great Danes were efficient from deep, hitting 7-of-14 from 3-point range, but attempted only three free throws, making all of them. The Rams attempted 18 free throws, making 12, and their 6-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc proved sufficient.

The victory extends Rhode Island’s strong start to the season, while Albany looks to regroup after splitting its first four games. The Rams are scheduled to host Holy Cross on Wednesday, November 19. The Great Danes will return home to face Siena on the same date.