Newton, Mass.-Senior guard Tahrike Carter (Brooklyn, NY) scored 11 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out three assists and made two steals as the Rhode Island College men's basketball team opened the 2012-13 season with a 72-63 win at Lasell on Thursday evening.
 
Freshman center Mike Neal (Pawtucket, RI) led the Anchormen (1-0) with 12 points and five boards. Sophomore forward Jacob Page (Brookline, MA) contributed 11 points and eight boards, while junior guard Michael Palumbo (Providence, RI) pitched in with 11 points.
 
"We got a good result in a tough road venue," Head Coach Bob Walsh said. "I've never seen a team miss 11 straight free throws to begin a half like we did tonight. We weren't at our best, but with so many new faces, I was happy we found enough toughness and composure to win."
 
Senior Sean Bertanza (Seymour, CT) led Lasell (0-1) with 14 points, while junior Brandon Ganesh (West Palm Beach, FL) added 13 points and senior Arthur Alexander (Port St. Lucie, FL) finished with 10.
 
The Lasers trailed 32-31 at the half and RIC opened the second half on an 8-0 run to lead 40-31 with 18:32 left in the game. Lasell fought back, scoring 14 of the next 17 points to take a 45-43 lead with 13:27 to play. The Anchormen rallied back with 11 straight points, taking a 54-45 lead that they would not relinquish the rest of the way.
 
The Anchormen shot 50 percent (27-for-54) from the floor and 40 percent (4-for-10) from three-point territory, which helped them offset a 44 percent (14-for-32) performance from the free throw line. Lasell finished at 37 percent (23-for-63) from the floor and shot 19 percent (5-for-27) from downtown in the loss.
 
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Brandeis in the Anchormen's home opener on Saturday, Nov. 17 (1 p.m.).