SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — The Atlantic 10-leading Rhode Island women’s basketball team delivered a dominant performance from the opening tip, overwhelming VCU 85-42 on Wednesday night at the Ryan Center.

The game was effectively decided in a blistering first quarter, as Rhode Island raced out to a 29-6 lead. The home team shot efficiently, defended tenaciously, and capitalized on every VCU miscue, setting a tone of complete control that never wavered. The 43-point margin of victory underscored a night where Rhode Island’s depth, athleticism, and execution were simply too much for a struggling VCU squad.

Rhode Island improved to 22-2 overall and solidified its hold on the conference standings. VCU, meanwhile, saw its record fall to 8-17, continuing a difficult season.

The most important part of the game was unquestionably the opening period. Rhode Island won the opening tip and immediately imposed its will. A layup by Sophia Vital just 24 seconds in sparked a 14-0 run before VCU could find the scoreboard. The Rams from Kingston shot over 50% from the floor in the quarter, assisted on six of their 11 made baskets, and forced five VCU turnovers, which they converted into eight points. By the time the horn sounded, the outcome was a foregone conclusion, with Rhode Island leading by 23 points.

The statistical disparity told the story of Rhode Island’s comprehensive victory. They shot 47.1% from the field while holding VCU to a frigid 25.4%. The three-point line was a particular struggle for the visitors, who made just 2 of 25 attempts. Rhode Island also won the battle in the paint, outscoring VCU 40-28, and dominated points off turnovers, 16-4. The home team committed only six turnovers while forcing 13.

Rhode Island’s victory was a balanced effort, led by Vanessa Harris, who came off the bench to score a game-high 16 points and grab six rebounds in 25 minutes. Ines Debroise added 15 points, six rebounds and four assists, while Palmire Mbu contributed 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks. Sophia Vital orchestrated the offense with seven assists to go with eight points and eight rebounds, and Albina Syla just missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds, adding two blocks.

VCU, which never led, was led by Lucy Ghaifan’s seven points and seven rebounds in limited minutes. Makennah White added eight points. The team’s offensive struggles were encapsulated by an offensive rating of just 59.8 points per 100 possessions, a stark contrast to Rhode Island’s efficient 123.1.

The game was a rematch of a Jan. 14 meeting in Richmond, which Rhode Island won 46-41 in a defensive struggle. This contest bore no resemblance, as Rhode Island’s offense operated with far greater fluidity on its home floor.

An announced crowd of 1,072 at the Ryan Center watched Rhode Island maintain its momentum as it heads into the final stretch of conference play, looking every bit the championship contender. VCU will look to regroup after a defeat that highlighted the significant gap between the two programs on this night.

The win was Rhode Island’s 12th in its last 13 games. VCU has now lost three of its last four.

Rhode Island next travels to face George Mason on Saturday. VCU returns home to host Saint Bonaventure, also on Saturday.