Strong second half propels women's basketball to season-opening win over Stonehill

Photo courtesy of Michaela Benford

A 68-45 win for the University of Rhode Island women’s basketball team against Stonehill College marked basketball’s return to the Ryan Center in 2024.

“[Stonehill] got tired in the second quarter,” URI Head Coach Tammi Reiss said. “Suddenly we get stops, we can run, and we can get out and get better shots in transition.”

The Rams had the edge after the first quarter, leading 14-12 while holding the advantage in shooting percentage 41.2-31.3%. The Rams then found their groove in the second quarter, shooting 50% from the field and adding four points from the free-throw line. 

A big reason for this was Harsimran “Honey” Kaur, a fourth-year transfer from the University of San Diego, who led the way for the Rams with 19 points and 11 rebounds in her URI debut. 

Kaur started 29 games in 31 appearances with San Diego a season ago, averaging 8.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. 

“Although she didn't have a huge, huge role at San Diego, watching all the film on her and her capabilities, I knew that she could [score] a double-double,” Reiss said. “It was finding someone that could replace Mayé [Touré ’24] and have an impact for our team that likes to score on the block and can shoot the three. And so tonight, I've seen it in practice, but seeing it in a game is another thing. And I think she did exactly what her role was, rebound and score.”

The Rams also got help from fourth-year guard Sophie Phillips. She had 15 points with six field goals in the win, two of them coming from behind the arc. She helped URI outscore Stonehill 31-22 in the second half, propelling the Rams to a 23-point victory. 

“Obviously, we were really, really excited to finally play someone else other than ourselves,” Reiss said. “And for a first game with so many new faces, trying to find our chemistry, falling into our roles, [I was] pretty pleased with how we executed. But really [what] was asked [of] the team [was] to come out and just play hard. Play hard, let the game come to them, and they did that. So for our first game, I was pretty pleased.” 

The Rams cruised their way to a victory and opened their 2024-25 campaign with a win at home. URI will now make the trip to New York’s capital as they prepare to face the University at Albany. The game is available to be streamed at 7 p.m. on ESPN+.