The regular season finale in the Atlantic 10 women’s basketball conference is shaping up to be a contest packed with high stakes, history, and a dash of 80s nostalgia. On Saturday, February 29, 2026, the Rhode Island Rams will host the George Washington Revolutionaries at the Ryan Center, with tip-off set for 2:30 p.m. and the game broadcast live on ESPN+. For fans, it’s not just about the action on the court—Rhody is throwing an 80s Day bash, complete with themed music, giveaways, and a chance for students to grab a free basketball t-shirt. But the real drama will unfold between two teams at very different points in their season journeys, each with plenty to play for.
Let’s set the scene: Rhode Island comes into this matchup tied for first place in the Atlantic 10 with a 24-4 overall record and an impressive 15-2 mark in conference play. The Rams, led by head coach Tammi Reiss, are looking to clinch a share of their second regular season title in just seven years—a feat made all the more remarkable considering the program’s history. Under Reiss, who recently became the winningest coach in Rhode Island women’s basketball history with 134 wins, the Rams have experienced a renaissance, setting new standards and expectations for the program. The 24 wins this season are already the second-most in school history, trailing only the 26 victories of the 2022-23 squad, which delivered the Rams’ first-ever regular season crown.
But the path to Saturday’s game hasn’t been entirely smooth for Rhode Island. The Rams are coming off their toughest defeat of the year, a 72-46 loss at Richmond on Wednesday night. It was the first time all season Rhode Island failed to break the 50-point barrier, and it marked their second loss in three games, following a 63-59 stumble at La Salle on February 18. The timing couldn’t be more dramatic—can the Rams rebound from recent setbacks to secure their place atop the league? Or will the pressure of the moment open the door for a Revolutionaries upset?
George Washington, meanwhile, enters the finale with a 15-15 overall record and a 7-10 mark in conference play. The Revolutionaries, coached by Caroline McCombs, are coming off a morale-boosting 61-47 win over St. Bonaventure on Senior Night. That victory not only honored the contributions of seniors Filipa Calisto, Emma Theodorsson, Caia Loving, and Natalia Sierra-Vargas, but it also clinched GW at least the 10th seed in the upcoming Atlantic 10 Women’s Basketball Championship and guaranteed them a first-round bye. With the conference tournament looming, the Revolutionaries are fighting for seeding and momentum, knowing that a strong finish could set the tone for a postseason run.
In their most recent outing, George Washington showcased their depth and dominance in the paint. Gabby Reynolds led the way with 12 points, while Sara Lewis chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds. Theodorsson, named Player of the Game, delivered 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, finishing a team-best +16 during her 26 minutes on the floor. The Revolutionaries out-rebounded the Bonnies 44-24 and enjoyed a 25-9 advantage in bench points. According to the George Washington Athletics press release, “The GW Revs dominated the paint, finishing with a 44-24 advantage on the glass, while also using a 25-9 edge in bench points to cruise past the Bonnies.”
Statistically, GW is paced by Gabby Reynolds, who averages 13.9 points per game—good for 11th in the Atlantic 10. Sara Lewis, the team’s second-leading scorer, is also their top rebounder at 5.6 boards per game. The Revolutionaries’ balanced attack and rebounding prowess will be tested against a Rhode Island squad that’s been one of the league’s most consistent all season.
Rhode Island’s attack is led by guard Brooklyn Gray, averaging a team-best 12.5 points per game, along with 5.6 rebounds and a 40.8% shooting clip. Gray’s impact was on full display the last time these teams met on January 7, when she erupted for 23 points—including a 15-point second quarter—and surpassed the 1,000 career point milestone. The Rams took that game 79-70, a performance that also saw Tammi Reiss become the program’s all-time winningest coach. Freshman Vanessa Harris (10.8 points per game), Palire Mbu (10.6 points, 6.0 rebounds), Albina Syla (6.8 rebounds), and Sophia Vital (3.5 assists) round out a deep and versatile rotation for Rhode Island.
Historically, the series has favored George Washington, with the Revolutionaries holding a 45-12 all-time edge. Yet, the tide has turned in recent years—Rhode Island has claimed victory in six of the last seven meetings. Still, the last time GW visited the Ryan Center, they pulled off a 54-46 upset on March 1, 2025, handing the Rams a stinging defeat in the final home game of that season. That memory is sure to be fresh for both teams as they take the court this weekend.
Beyond the hardwood, there’s a twist of familiarity on the sidelines. Rhody Associate Head Coach Ali Jaques spent the 2023-24 season as an Associate Head Coach at George Washington, marking her second stint with the Buff & Blue. Jaques was also part of the GW staff during their successful 2006-08 run, which included consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. Her presence adds another layer of intrigue to a matchup already rich with storylines.
For George Washington, Saturday is about more than just spoiling Rhode Island’s championship hopes. With their tournament seeding on the line, the Revolutionaries are playing for pride and postseason positioning. Depending on the outcome, GW will face either the 8-seed or 7-seed matchup in the Atlantic 10 Championship on March 5, with game times set for 11:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. “With multiple scenarios possible this weekend, GW will either take part in the 8-seed vs. 9-seed matchup… or play in the 7-seed vs. 10-seed game later that same day,” the team confirmed in their pregame notes.
For Rhode Island, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win would secure a share of the Atlantic 10 regular season title and provide a much-needed confidence boost heading into the postseason. The Rams’ recent struggles only add to the sense of urgency, and the home crowd—energized by 80s anthems and playoff implications—will be looking for their team to deliver a statement performance.
And for fans who can’t get enough of the Rams, head coach Tammi Reiss will host her final coaches show of the season on Monday, March 2, at The Mews Tavern, joined by senior Brooklyn Gray and freshman Vanessa Harris. It’s one last chance to celebrate what’s already been a historic season and to look ahead at what could be a thrilling postseason run.
As the regular season comes to a close, all eyes are on the Ryan Center. Will Rhode Island bounce back and clinch a piece of the conference crown, or will George Washington play spoiler and carry their momentum into March? With so much on the line, this is one finale that promises to keep fans guessing until the final buzzer.