The Harvard women's basketball team found no relief for its season-long woes last night, losing 70-58 to the University of Rhode Island Rams on the road.

The Crimson (1-7, 0-0 Ivy) dropped its fourth game in a row since the team's lone win against New Hampshire two weeks ago. The non-conference Rams (3-4, 0-0 Atlantic 10) took two of their last three games for the first time since the 1998 season.

The game saw the return of senior center Melissa Johnson for the Crimson. Harvard was not able to capitalize on Johnson's 11 points and five boards, as it was outscored in the paint by the smaller Rams' frontcourt.

The Crimson guards were heavily pressured up top by URI's smaller players, allowing the undersized low-post Rams some time to battle for precious position against Harvard's offensive stars. The result was success for Rhode Island.

The Rams began the game with a 13-3 run, and began to pressure the Crimson ballhandlers from the outset. The intensity of URI's defense forced 18 Crimson turnovers in the first half.

"Our defensive pressure set the tone early," said Rams' Coach Belinda "Boe" Pearman. "It got Harvard to begin doubting their passing."

The turnovers quickly led to Ram buckets, as they netted 19 off the Crimson miscues, and carried a 31-19 lead into the half. Junior forward Yatar Ketuyah (13 points, 10 rebounds) began to assert control before the half, on her way to her thirteenth double-double in her last nineteen games.

The bright spot for the Crimson offense was Johnson's strong play. She had her way in the post, scoring almost at will when Harvard's guards were able to get the ball inside against the tight Ram defense.