University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
6-13, 0-7 A-10
Rhode Island
10-9, 4-3 A-10
Women's Basketball Falls to Rhode Island, 80-79
January 27, 2016 | Women's Basketball
Jan. 27, 2016
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AMHERST, Mass. - The Massachusetts women's basketball team had three players in double figures, including 20 points from freshman Bria Stallworth, but 24 points from behind the arc and a strong defensive effort paced Rhode Island as the Minutewomen fell to URI, 80-79, Wednesday in front of a Field Trip Day crowd of 1,281 at the Mullins Center.
The result moves Rhode Island to 10-9 and 4-3 in Atlantic 10 play. The Minutewomen are 6-13 and 0-7 in the A-10 following the setback.
The Rams also took advantage of 13 UMass turnovers, which were converted into 20 points for Rhode Island.
The first quarter featured a balanced offensive effort for the Minutewomen as five different players contributed points. Paced by Stallworth's four points and three more from Cierra Dillard, UMass showed effective ball distribution, recording five assists on six field goals. In addition, UMass displayed solid rebounding on both the offensive and defensive ends of the floor. Despite trailing 15-13 at the end of the period, UMass posted nine boards and held Rhode Island to just three second-chance points. Bench production also highlighted the opening frame as the Minutewomen, tallying six points.
UMass earned its first lead of the contest midway through the second quarter after a layup from Maggie Mulligan put the Minutewomen ahead 22-21. Although UMass was able to add two more three-pointers in the period, the Rams responded by forcing four turnovers, ultimately using that figure to produce three points. URI's Tayra Melendez closed out the half with a jumper at the buzzer, sending the Rams into the locker room with a 37-33 advantage.
Gaining a 15-point lead with 3:17 remaining in the third quarter, Rhode Island continued its strong offensive showing as three players were in double figures by quarter's end. Led by five points from Melendez, including a three-pointer, the Rams used a 10-4 run to return their lead to 13 points. UMass fought back, however, with a 7-2 rally over the last 2:23 of the period, getting within six of URI at the end of the quarter. A three-pointer from Dillard in the final minute and an Alyx Stiff jumper at the buzzer narrowed the Rams' lead to 58-52 heading into the fourth.
The final period included a late UMass comeback which saw the Minutewomen overcome a 15-point deficit from earlier in the game. With an 8-0 run sparked by baskets from Dillard, Alyssa Lawrence, and Rashida Timbilla, along with free throws from Alyx Stiff, UMass took a 62-61 lead with 6:06 to play. Although UMass made several free throws down the stretch to get within two of URI, two points from the line from URI's Samantha Tabakman increased the Rams' lead back to five with 24 seconds left. The Minutewomen continued to rally, but came up a point short after Stallworth's three-pointer at the final buzzer.
Massachusetts now embarks on a two-game roadtrip, beginning with a game at George Mason on Saturday, Jan. 30. Tip-off in that matchup is scheduled for 2 p.m.
