RI Women's Basketball Teams Vie for March Madness Bids

URI leads the pack, while Brown, Bryant, and Providence aim to end state's 30-year NCAA Tournament drought

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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With March Madness approaching, Rhode Island's Division I women's basketball programs are making their final pushes to secure NCAA Tournament bids. The University of Rhode Island Rams are currently in the best position, sitting at 21-2 and ranked 47th in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings. Brown University, Bryant University, and Providence College are also in contention, though facing various challenges in their respective conferences.

Why it matters

Rhode Island has not sent a Division I women's basketball team to the NCAA Tournament in 30 years, since the University of Rhode Island's appearance in the 1995-96 season. This season presents an opportunity for the state to end that drought, with several teams in the running for a spot in the Big Dance.

The details

The University of Rhode Island Rams, led by head coach Tammi Reiss, have built a 21-2 record and 15-game winning streak behind a balanced roster of returners and transfers. Brown University is positioned to earn a spot in the Ivy League's postseason tournament, led by seniors Grace Arnolie and Alyssa Moreland. Bryant University has been streaky but features a solid core, including former Wheeler School standout Mia Mancini. Providence College continues to rebuild under coach Erin Batth, with Sabou Gueye leading the team in scoring after transferring from Florida A&M.

  • URI entered Wednesday at No. 47 in the NCAA Evaluation Tool (NET) rankings.
  • The Rams' conference tournament starts on March 4 at the Henrico Sports & Events Center in Virginia.
  • Brown will honor its seniors on Feb. 27-28 in crucial home games against Cornell and Columbia.
  • Providence will head to the Big East Tournament at Mohegan Sun in March.

The players

Tammi Reiss

The head coach of the University of Rhode Island Rams women's basketball team.

Grace Arnolie

A senior guard for the Brown University Bears women's basketball team and one of the best players in the Ivy League.

Alyssa Moreland

A senior forward for the Brown University Bears women's basketball team and a nightly double-double threat.

Mia Mancini

The lead guard for the Bryant University Bulldogs women's basketball team and a former standout at Wheeler School.

Sabou Gueye

The leading scorer for the Providence College Friars women's basketball team after transferring from Florida A&M.

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What they’re saying

“The reason we're 21-2 and the reason we have a 15-game winning streak is because of their chemistry and their love for one another. It's special. You don't win this many games just being good.”

— Tammi Reiss, Head Coach, University of Rhode Island Rams (Providence Journal)

“There will be a lot of distractions as you go on and you're the hunted. You've got to be locked in and ready every day. We're getting everyone's best shot. We're getting everyone's Joe Frazier — Joe Frazier-[Muhammad] Ali every night. That's how it is, especially when you're undefeated.”

— Tammi Reiss, Head Coach, University of Rhode Island Rams (Providence Journal)

What’s next

The University of Rhode Island Rams face a tough stretch run that includes a trip to George Mason, a rematch with league champion Richmond, and the start of the conference tournament on March 4.

The takeaway

Rhode Island's Division I women's basketball programs are making a concerted push to end the state's 30-year NCAA Tournament drought, with the University of Rhode Island Rams leading the charge as the team best positioned to secure a March Madness bid. The success of these teams could have a lasting impact on the growth of women's basketball in the state.