KINGSTON, R.I. --- The Xavier women’s basketball team fell 52-48 to Rhode Island on Saturday night in the semifinals of the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament at URI’s Ryan Center.

The Musketeers were led in the contest by Amy Waugh’s 18 points and Tara Boothe’s 16.

XU falls to 20-9 on the year. The Musketeers were playing in the A-10 semifinals for the sixth year in a row.

The Musketeers got off to a hot start and went up 19-7 in the first eight and a half minutes of the game.

Xavier went cold, however, and was unable to score a field goal in the final 11:30 of the first half. Free throws were the saving grace for the Musketeers as they went 9-for-10 from the charity stripe in that time frame.

URI was able to catch Xavier, however, and take a 29-28 lead at the break.

The offensive woes continued for Xavier after intermission, as Rhody used an 8-2 run to start that half and go up 39-30 with 14:41 left to play.

XU battled back, and cut the deficit to three, 46-43, with 1:49 left to play.

Xavier would eventually claw to within one, at 49-48 with six seconds remaining. However, after a pair of URI free throws, XU turned the ball over and never had the chance to shoot for the tie.

Rhode Island was led by Denise King’s 28 points.