Preview of Wednesday’s Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Showdown RICHMOND, Va. (Interstat) — A marquee Atlantic 10 women’s basketball clash with significant conference implications is set for Wednesday night when the No. 21-ranked Richmond Spiders host the Rhode Island Rams at the Robins Center. The matchup features two of the league’s top teams, with Rhode Island (24-3, 14-2 A-10) entering with a slight edge in the standings over Richmond (23-6, 13-3 A-10). The Rams, whose only conference losses came on the road at La Salle and Dayton, boast one of the nation’s top records. The Spiders have been nearly as dominant, with their three A-10 defeats all coming in tight contests, including an overtime loss at George Washington. Rhode Island won the first meeting this season, 73-61, at home on Dec. 30, 2025. The Rams have relied on a balanced attack and stout defense, holding opponents to an average of just 52.8 points in their current 8-2 stretch. A key player for the Rams is forward Albina Syla, who is coming off a 16-point, 9-rebound performance in a 69-39 rout of Fordham on Saturday. Over her last eight games, Syla has averaged a near double-double, providing consistent interior production. The Spiders, who demolished La Salle 92-58 last Sunday, are led by guard Aneisha Scott. She erupted for 20 points in just 20 minutes off the bench in that victory, showcasing the depth and scoring punch that has fueled Richmond’s high-powered offense, which averages 74.3 points per game in conference play. Wednesday’s contest will likely hinge on tempo and rebounding. Rhode Island’s methodical, defensive-minded approach will be tested by Richmond’s faster pace and scoring versatility. The battle on the boards between Syla and Richmond’s frontcourt, featuring Maggie Doogan, will be critical. With only a handful of games remaining in the regular season, the outcome will heavily influence seeding for the upcoming Atlantic 10 Tournament. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.