Providence, R.I.-Senior forward Mason Choice (Newport, RI) tallied 13 points, four assists, three steals, three blocks and three rebounds on 5-of-5 shooting as the 20th-ranked Rhode Island College men's basketball team drubbed Southern Maine, 73-40, on Tuesday evening at The Murray Center in Little East Conference action.

 

Rhode Island College (12-1, 3-1 LEC) led from wire-to-wire, allowing just a season-low of 40 points in the blowout victory. The Anchormen used stifling defense to hold USM (6-7, 0-4 LEC) to 30 percent shooting on the evening, including just 1-of-15 shooting (seven percent) from three-point land. RIC also forced 24 turnovers and finished with 13 steals as a team.

 

"We were fortunate early that Southern Maine missed some open looks," said Head Coach Bob Walsh. "We were not in a great rhythm, but Randy Casey and Ethan Gaye really sparked us defensively. When you force 24 turnovers and hold your opponent to 30 percent shooting you will win a lot of games."

 

The Anchormen currently trail Little East leaders Western Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut, both of whom are 4-0, by one game in the league standing heading into this weekend.

 

Offensively, the Anchormen were incredibly efficient, as they shot 49 percent from the field (28-for-57) and 82 percent (14-for-17) from the free throw line. The hosts handed out 17 assists as a team, as once again a balanced scoring attack led to 12 different Anchormen scorers in the game. RIC also outrebounded the Huskies, 38-28, and outscored the visitors in the paint, 26-12.

 

Sophomore guard Avery King (Pawtucket, RI) had the best game of his career at RIC, as he finished with 11 points and three steals, while junior guard Ethan Gaye (Providence, RI) recorded nine points, three boards and three steals. Sophomore guard Michael Palumbo (Providence, RI) added eight points off the bench in the win, while freshman forward Chris Burton (New Rochelle, NY), the reigning Little East Rookie of the Week, chipped in with seven points and four rebounds.

 

Junior guard Tahrike Carter (Brooklyn, NY) led the Anchormen with seven rebounds, while contributing with five points, three steals and two assists. Senior center Mike Akinrola (Woonsocket, RI) notched six points and four rebounds, while junior guard Randy Casey (Attleboro, MA) received high praise from Coach Walsh for his strong defensive play.

 

Sophomore center John Roberts (Portland, ME) posted a game-high 15 points to go along with five rebounds for Southern Maine, while senior guard Chris Pagentine (Lexington, NC) added seven points in the loss.

 

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East Conference play at Keene State on Saturday, Jan. 14 (1 p.m.) in a rematch of last season's LEC Tournament semifinal classic.