PHILADELPHIA (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of momentum that defied pregame projections, the La Salle Explorers mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback to stun the Atlantic 10-leading Rhode Island Rams 63-59 in a women’s NCAA Division I basketball game Wednesday night at Tom Gola Arena.

The Rams, who entered the contest with a 23-2 record and an 88% win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, saw their nine-game winning streak snapped in dramatic fashion. Rhode Island’s season record fell to 23-3, while La Salle improved to 15-11.

The game’s defining sequence was a decisive 24-point fourth-quarter explosion by the Explorers, who erased a nine-point deficit entering the final period. Rhode Island, which had controlled much of the contest behind a dominant inside performance, managed only 13 points in the fourth quarter and was outscored by 11 when it mattered most.

La Salle’s victory was fueled by the backcourt duo of Joan Quinn and Ashleigh Connor. Quinn, a guard from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, scored a game-high 21 points, including a crucial three-point play with just over three minutes remaining that extended La Salle’s lead to four. Connor, from Pittsburgh, added 15 points, seven assists and three steals, orchestrating the offense and applying relentless defensive pressure.

The Rams built their early advantage through a pronounced advantage on the glass and the interior play of Albina Syla. The 6-foot-5 center from Vantaa, Finland, recorded a double-double with 16 points and a game-high 13 rebounds, nine of which came on the offensive end. Her work helped Rhode Island to a 13-5 edge in offensive rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points.

Rhode Island raced to a 20-10 lead after the first quarter, capitalizing on La Salle’s early shooting struggles. The Explorers settled in during the second quarter, holding the Rams to just seven points to trim the halftime deficit to 27-25. Rhode Island appeared to regain control in the third, outscoring La Salle 19-14 to take a 46-39 lead into the final frame.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to La Salle. The Explorers opened the period on a 12-3 run, capped by a Lauren Patnode three-pointer, to take their first lead since the opening minute at 51-49 with 9:03 to play. The teams traded baskets until Quinn’s three-point play at the 3:03 mark gave La Salle a 59-55 cushion.

Rhode Island’s offense, which finished with a season-low three assists and committed 16 turnovers against La Salle’s active defense, went cold in the closing minutes. The Rams missed their final five field goal attempts, including three three-point tries in the last 15 seconds as they desperately tried to close the gap.

Ines Debroise scored 13 points for Rhode Island, and Palmire Mbu added 11 points and four assists. Aryss Macktoon provided key support for La Salle with 13 points.

Statistically, La Salle’s efficiency proved decisive. The Explorers shot 46% from the field and committed only 12 turnovers, translating to an offensive rating of 96.7 points per 100 possessions. Rhode Island, meanwhile, was held to 38% shooting and an offensive rating of 85.3, well below its season average.

The Rams, who had not lost since a non-conference setback to Princeton on Nov. 26, will look to rebound at home against Fordham on Saturday. La Salle, which has won three of its last four, travels to face Richmond on Sunday.