Preview: No. 8/9 Rhode Island Rams at Fordham Rams

NEW YORK (Interstat) — A clash of Atlantic 10 Rams with vastly different trajectories is set for Saturday at Rose Hill Gym, where the surging Rhode Island women visit Fordham.

The Rhode Island Rams (18-2, 8-0 A-10) enter on a 10-game winning streak and sit atop the conference standings. They are coming off a commanding 79-66 road victory at Dayton last Sunday, powered by a double-double from center Albina Syla (15 points, 11 rebounds) and 17 points from forward Palmire Mbu.

Mbu has been a consistent force during the streak, averaging 8.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.0 blocks over the last eight contests. Her defensive presence, alongside Syla, has anchored a unit that has held opponents to an average of 54.6 points during conference play.

Fordham (9-12, 2-6), meanwhile, has lost six of its last seven games. The most recent was a 69-58 defeat at VCU on Wednesday, where guard Lakresha Edwards led with 15 points. Guard Kaila Berry, a player Fordham will look to for production, has averaged 4.4 points over her last seven outings.

The disparity extends beyond recent form. Rhode Island’s defense, allowing just 54.8 points per game, ranks among the nation’s best. Fordham averages 61.2 points but allows 66.1 per contest. Rhode Island also holds a significant rebounding advantage, averaging 7.5 more boards per game than Fordham.

History adds another layer, as Rhode Island has won the last five meetings in the series. Fordham’s last win came in February 2021.

For Fordham to spring the upset, it must solve Rhode Island’s stifling defense and find consistent scoring beyond Edwards. The home Rams will need to control the glass and force a tempo favorable to them at Rose Hill.

For Rhode Island, the mission is to maintain its disciplined approach and extend its perfect conference record on the road. A win would solidify its hold on first place and continue its march toward a potential NCAA Tournament bid.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST on Saturday, Jan. 31.