NEW YORK (Interstat) — The Rhode Island Rams seized control from the opening tip and never relented, defeating the Fordham Rams 61-47 in an Atlantic 10 women’s basketball game Saturday at Rose Hill Gym.

Rhode Island, which improved to 19-2 overall, suffocated Fordham’s offense in the first half, building a 29-16 lead at intermission that proved insurmountable. The visiting Rams held Fordham to just four points in the opening quarter, setting a defensive tone that defined the contest.

The most critical stretch of the game was its inception. Rhode Island’s defensive pressure and Fordham’s offensive ineptitude combined to create a disastrous start for the home team. Fordham opened the game with a missed driving layup, a shot-clock violation, and two turnovers on its first four possessions. Rhode Island, meanwhile, capitalized with a Palmire Mbu turnaround jumper and a Brooklyn Gray 3-pointer to build an early 5-0 lead. Fordham did not score its first field goal until an Alexis Black pull-up jumper with 5:54 remaining in the first quarter, by which time Rhode Island led 7-2. The hosts finished the period shooting 2 for 15 from the floor with five turnovers, trailing 13-4.

Rhode Island’s defense, which entered the game among the nation’s leaders, was the story. The visitors forced 16 Fordham turnovers, converting them into 15 points, and held Fordham to an offensive rating of 73.8 points per 100 possessions. Fordham shot just 35.3 percent from the floor and a frigid 15.4 percent from 3-point range. Rhode Island also dominated the glass with a 14-9 advantage in offensive rebounds, leading to 13 second-chance points.

While the offense was not efficient for Rhode Island—shooting 34.5 percent overall—its balance and ability to capitalize at the free-throw line provided enough cushion. Rhode Island made 14 of 17 free throws and connected on seven 3-pointers.

Ines Debroise led Rhode Island with 11 points, while Vanessa Harris added 13 points and five rebounds. Albina Syla was a force inside with eight points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Palmire Mbu contributed 10 points, five rebounds and two assists. For Fordham, Alexis Black scored 14 points and Ugne Sirtautaite added 12 points and four rebounds. Kaila Berry grabbed 11 rebounds but was limited to two points.

Fordham showed brief signs of life after halftime, outscoring Rhode Island 16-15 in the third quarter behind seven points from Tia Morgan. A Carryn Easley layup early in the fourth quarter cut Rhode Island’s lead to 36-32, marking the closest Fordham had been since the first quarter.

Rhode Island responded immediately with a decisive 7-0 run to quell the threat. Ines Debroise drained a 3-pointer, assisted by Syla, and after a Sirtautaite layup for Fordham, Syla scored on a putback. The spurt pushed the lead back to 43-34 with 6:28 remaining, and Fordham never again closed the gap to single digits. Rhode Island closed the game on an 18-13 run to secure the victory.

Fordham, which fell to 9-13, has lost three of its last four games. Rhode Island has now won eight consecutive games and remains atop the Atlantic 10 conference standings.

The game was played before an announced crowd of 506. Rhode Island returns home to host Saint Joseph’s on Wednesday. Fordham travels to face La Salle next Saturday.