Preview: VCU Rams at Rhode Island Rams SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (Interstat) — A clash of Atlantic 10 Rams with vastly different trajectories is set for Wednesday night at the Ryan Center, where the surging Rhode Island women’s basketball team will host struggling VCU. No. 21-2 Rhode Island, firmly atop the conference standings, enters on a 10-game winning streak following a dominant 74-43 victory over Saint Louis on Sunday. VCU (8-16) looks to snap a two-game skid after falling 66-55 at Loyola Chicago on Feb. 7. The matchup is a rematch of a defensive battle won by Rhode Island, 46-41, in Richmond on Jan. 14. In that game, Rhode Island guard Sophia Vital scored 10 points and dished six assists, while VCU’s Lucy Ghaifan was limited to two points in 13 minutes. Vital remains a central figure for the hosts. The veteran guard is averaging 9.4 points and 4.7 assists per game during the winning streak, providing steady leadership. She posted 15 points, five rebounds and four assists in the win over Saint Louis. VCU will rely on the recent production of Ghaifan, who is coming off a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds against Loyola Chicago. Over her last three games, the forward is averaging 11.3 points and 8.0 rebounds. Rhode Island’s defense has been its hallmark, holding opponents to 53.2 points per game, ranking among the national leaders. They held VCU to 30.2% shooting in the January meeting. VCU’s challenge will be generating consistent offense against that pressure, as they average just 56.8 points per contest. The home-court advantage at the Ryan Center has been significant for Rhode Island, which boasts a perfect 12-0 record there this season. VCU is 2-8 in true road games. With a win, Rhode Island would further solidify its hold on first place in the A-10. VCU, sitting near the bottom of the conference, seeks a season-defining upset to build momentum for the final stretch. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST. Following this game, Rhode Island travels to face George Mason on Saturday, while VCU returns home to host Saint Bonaventure.