SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — The Rhode Island Rams used a dominant first half and a stifling defensive performance to cruise past the Wagner Seahawks 72-36 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Friday afternoon at the Ryan Center.

A crowd of 2,155 watched the Rams improve to 10-2 overall, while Wagner fell to 3-7.

The most important part of the game was Rhode Island’s immediate and overwhelming defensive pressure, which set the tone from the opening tip and never relented. The Rams forced Wagner into a shot-clock violation on its first possession, an early sign of the struggles to come for the visitors. Rhode Island’s length and activity disrupted Wagner’s offense entirely, holding the Seahawks to just 16 points on 4-of-23 shooting in the first half. The Rams closed the first quarter on a 13-0 run to lead 21-12 and extended that advantage to 39-16 by halftime, effectively deciding the contest before the break.

Albina Syla, a 6-foot-5 sophomore from Vantaa, Finland, led the Rams with 18 points and nine rebounds in just 21 minutes, showcasing her efficiency inside. She set the early tone, winning the opening tip and scoring Rhode Island’s first two baskets. Brooklyn Gray of Rockford, Illinois, filled the stat sheet with six points, six rebounds, six assists and a block. Ines Debroise of Paris contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.

The Rams’ defense was the story, generating 13 steals and forcing 20 Wagner turnovers, which they converted into numerous transition opportunities. Rhode Island also controlled the glass, outrebounding Wagner 52-35 and grabbing 23 offensive rebounds that led to 19 second-chance points. Wagner’s offensive rating of 53.8 points per 100 possessions underscored the difficulty of operating against Rhode Island’s scheme.

Wagner, which shot 29% from the field and a dismal 1 for 12 from three-point range, was led by Lijirin Doyinsola Modesayor of Kotor Varos, Nigeria, who had seven points and nine rebounds. Hawa Balde-Camara of Barcelona, Spain, added six points.

The Rams maintained their intensity after halftime, opening the third quarter with an 8-0 spurt to push the lead to 31 points and remove any lingering doubt. Rhode Island’s depth was on full display as 10 different players scored, with reserves Aimee Michel and Vanessa Harris combining for 15 points.

The victory extended Rhode Island’s winning streak to three games as it heads into Atlantic 10 Conference play. The Rams will host Richmond on Dec. 31. Wagner, which has lost two of its last three, will host New Jersey City on Dec. 30.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Rhode Island entered the game with a 99.5% probability to win, a forecast borne out by the comprehensive nature of the performance. The Rams’ blend of interior dominance, defensive havoc, and balanced scoring proved far too much for a Wagner team that could not find any consistent offensive rhythm.