The University of Massachusetts women's basketball team built a 17-point halftime lead and withstood a late rally before winning 71-61 Saturday afternoon at Rhode Island.

The Minutewomen (8-13, 2-4 Atlantic 10) used an 18-4 run early in the first half to take a 20-8 lead, which grew to 37-20 at halftime. UMass led 67-44 before the Rams (9-13, 2-5 A-10) ended the game with a 17-4 run.

The Minutewomen shot 11-for-26 (42.3 percent) from 3-point range.

Kristina Danella led UMass with 17 points, and Megan Zullo added 13 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists.

Diatiema Hill contributed nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and a steal for the Minutewomen.

UMass returns home to host St. Bonaventure at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Mullins Center.