RIC Falls at Western Connecticut, 102-79

More news about: Rhode Island College

Danbury, Conn.-Sophomore guard Chris Green (Taunton, MA) scored a game-high 26 points as Rhode Island College fell to Western Connecticut, 102-79, in Little East Conference men's basketball action on Wednesday night.

 

The Anchormen (3-15, 2-6 LEC) broke open a see-saw battle midway through the first half, with a three-pointer by Green putting RIC up, 23-19, with 12:59 remaining in the frame. The Colonials (12-6, 6-2 LEC) responded and a made free throw by freshman forward Jauch Green (Hartford, CT)  trimmed the deficit down to two, 32-30, with 7:10 left. Though Western was able to even up the score over the remaining seven minutes, the Anchormen used a late surge to take a 43-36 lead into the halftime break.

 

RIC shot 56.3 percent (18-for-32) from the field over the first 20 minutes, with the Colonials shooting 46.9 percent (15-for-32) from the field.

 

The Anchormen held on to their lead for as long as they could, but a made jump shot by freshman forward Aaron Samuel (Stratford, CT) with 15:33 remaining in the game gave Western a 53-52 lead, a lead which they wouldn't surrender for the remainder of the game. A made jumper by Green trimmed the deficit down to 10 for the Anchormen, 76-66, but the Colonials proved to be too much down the stretch, extending their lead and securing the victory.

 

RIC shot 48.3 percent (29-for-60) from the field, 35.3 percent (6-for-17) from three-point land and 62.5 percent (15-for-24) from the charity stripe as a team. Green led all scorers with 26 points, while sophomore guard Malcolm Smith (Old Orchard Beach, ME) contributing 12 points off the bench.

 

Western shot 56.7 percent (34-for-60) from the floor, 75.0 percent (12-for-16) from downtown and 78.6 percent (22-for-28) from the charity stripe as a team. Senior guard Phil Starks (Hartford, CT) paced six Colonials in double figures with 22 points. Senior guard Louis Bridtter (Stamford, CT) narrowly missed out on a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds in the victory.

 

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East Conference play at home against Eastern Connecticut on Saturday, Jan. 30 (3 p.m.).