Preview: Rhode Island Rams at VCU Rams

RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — A clash of Atlantic 10 Rams with vastly different trajectories will unfold Wednesday when the surging Rhode Island women visit VCU at the Siegel Center.

Rhode Island (14-2, 4-0 A-10) arrives as one of the conference’s hottest teams, riding a seven-game winning streak. Their latest victory was a dominant 66-45 performance against Saint Bonaventure on Saturday. Guard Sophia Vital, a key catalyst, posted 14 points, six rebounds and four assists in that win. Over her last five games, Vital is averaging 11.2 points and 4.2 assists, providing steady backcourt leadership.

In contrast, VCU (6-11, 2-2) has struggled for consistency but is coming off a 61-54 home win over Duquesne on Sunday. Guard Laia Crespin Pastor led the way with 14 points and five rebounds, her best scoring output in weeks. The Rams will need similar production from her to challenge the conference front-runner.

The matchup pits Rhode Island’s stout defense, which has held opponents to 58.1 points per game during its streak, against a VCU offense averaging just 58.8 points. Rhode Island’s balance was on display against Saint Bonaventure, with Palmire Mbu adding 12 points and eight rebounds and Brooklyn Gray contributing 12 points.

VCU’s schedule has been arduous, featuring non-conference road losses to Power Five foes Georgia and Penn State. Their two A-10 wins, however, show potential for resistance at home.

This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the teams. They will meet again in Kingston on Feb. 11.

Wednesday’s game tips off at 7 p.m. EST. Rhode Island’s next game is Sunday at home against Duquesne. VCU hosts George Washington next Wednesday.