LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell women's basketball team (0-1) will head to Kingston, Rhode Island to take on the Rhode Island Rams (1-0) on Friday night. Tip-off is set for 6:00 p.m. at the Ryan Center.
 
November 10 at Rhode Island (ESPN+ - 6p.m.)
 
Watch | Live Stats | Game Notes
 
LOOKING AT UMASS LOWELL
The River Hawks opened the season against a strong opponent in Boston University on Monday night. UMass Lowell fell 60-58, with the game being decided by a buzzer-beater. Leilani Rodriguez led the team with 20 points and added two rebounds and two assists. Maddie Rice scored 10 points off the bench and grabbed three boards and one assist. Rayne Durant and Abbey Lindsey had impressive outings in their debuts as well, combing for 12 points and nine rebounds. Sydney Watkins tallied nine points and led the team with nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. 
 
SCOUTING THE RAMS
Rhode Island opened the season with a 96-51 win over Sacred Heart on Tuesday night at home. Maye Toure led the team with 20 points in 18 minutes. Tenin Magassa added 17 points and six rebounds while Anaelle Dutat had a team-high 10 rebounds and scored eight points. The Rams shot 55% from the field and 29% from three while hitting 16 of 23 free throws. Rhode Island had a slim advantage in rebounds, edging Sacred Heart 38-37. Points in the paint were key, with the Rams winning that battle 58-12.
 
A WIN WOULD
A win would be a first win over Rhode Island in program history. A win would also be the first win of the season for the River Hawks.
 
INSTANT IMPACT
Alex Gitchenko and Sydney Watkins got the start against BU on Monday night, making their debuts for the River Hawks. The veterans provided an important court presence and gave UMass Lowell plenty of energy and experience against a strong opponent. Three freshmen made their collegiate debut as well in Mondayís season opener. Rayne Durant, Abbey Lindsey and Maddie Rice came off the bench and played significant minutes for the River Hawks. Following the contest, Denise King was complimentary of the work rate and performances from the newcomers. The three first-years combined for 22 points and 12 rebounds, with each playing over 22 minutes in the game. Durant shot 50% from the field while Lindsey and Rice went 3-7 and 5-8, respectively. King will look for similar outputs from the freshmen going forward this season.
 
CONFERENCE RANKS
Leilani Rodriguez had a great start to the season and currently sits fifth in the league in scoring. The senior also sits ninth in free throw percentage (80%) and leads the America East in three-point percentage (80%). Sydney Watkins was all over the box score against BU and sits fifth in rebounding (9.0), eighth in assists (4.0), 13^th in assist/turnover ratio (1.0) and tied for sixth in minutes player (36.0).