University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
22-4,12-1Atlantic 10
Rhode Island
21-4,12-1Atlantic 10
Women’s Basketball Cruises Past Rhode Island, 78-57
February 16, 2023 | Women's Basketball
Destiney Philoxy had 11 assists as UMass handed URI its first conference loss of the season
KINGSTON, R.I.- The University of Massachusetts women's basketball team started fast and went on to post a 78-57 win at Rhode Island to tie the program record with an 11-consecutive victory while handing the Rams their first conference loss of the season. Both teams now sit at 11-1 in the Atlantic 10 standings.
Sydney Taylor posted her second career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Angelique Ngalakulondi (17 points), Ber'Nyah Mayo (13 points) and Sam Breen (10 points) also reached double figures in scoring.
Destiney Philoxy tied her career-high with 11 assists against just one turnover. Stefanie Kulesza chipped in with an important seven first-half points and added a career-high six rebounds.
On the night, the Minutewomen outrebounded the Rams 51-29 while also leading in points in the paint 38-16.
Massachusetts opened the game on a 9-0 run, capped by a Mayo three pointer that forced the home team to call a timeout. Ater Rhode Island got on the board at 6:53 of the first quarter, the Minutewomen extended the lead to 20-5 on a Kulesza three. UMass ended the first quarter up 24-13, with Ngalakulondi's seven points leading the way.
The two teams kept the second quarter even, putting up 15 points apiece, giving UMass the 39-28 lead entering halftime. Breen and Mayo combined for eight of Massachusetts' 15 points.
After UMass and URI traded 10 points each, the Rams made a layup to get within nine in the third quarter. The Minutewomen then began a 10-0 run to move it to 59-40 capped off by a Breen midrange jumper. Rhode Island made back-to-back triples to make it a 59-46 contest, but Massachusetts sank two free throws to finish the quarter with a 15-point lead.
UMass and URI, once again, scored five points apiece to open the final frame, before a 12-6 run for the Minutewomen aided the team to a 78-57 triumph. It marked UMass' biggest win at Rhode Island since a 62-38 victory during the 1998-99 season.
Massachusetts will return to the Mullins Center for a Sunday matinee against Davidson on February 19, at 12 p.m. on NESN/ESPN+. The Minutewomen will celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day, while inviting alumnae to join for its Flagship 50 celebration.
