Providence, R.I.--Rhode Island College junior guard Alex Moore (West Newbury, MA) scored a game-high 19 points, while senior forward Devin Hill (Danielson, CT) notched a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds, to lead the women's basketball team to a 57-52 victory over Western Connecticut in Little East Conference action played at The Murray Center on Wednesday night.

The Colonials (15-9, 8-5 LEC) raced out to an 11-4 lead following a three-pointer by junior guard Samantha Smith (Wallingford, CT) with 5:33 remaining in the opening quarter. The Anchorwomen (7-15, 5-8 LEC) rallied, using a 9-2 run capped by a trey by Moore with 3:33 remaining in the quarter. Western took a three-point lead with 24 seconds remaining after sophomore forward Nicole Mierzejewski (Meriden, CT) nailed a three, but a late jumper from junior forward Jenna Ayala (Pawtucket, RI) sent the game into the second period with RIC down, 20-19.

The second period saw a see-saw battle early, with another trey from Mierzejewski putting the Colonials up four, 25-21, with 7:38 remaining. RIC used a quick, 7-0, run to take a 28-25 lead after a layup from Hill with 5:41 remaining in the half. Neither team could secure an advantage and a layup with 57 seconds left in the period sent the Colonials into the halftime break with a slim, 31-30, lead.

RIC shot 33.3 percent (11-for-33) from the field and Western registered a 41.4 percentage (12-for-29).

The third quarter was another tightly contested battle, with both teams scoring 12 points in the period. Western was able to up its advantage to four points on three separate occasions, but three late free throws by Moore would put RIC up one, 42-41, with 1:32 left in the quarter. WCSU would take the lead back just 13 seconds later when senior guard Kerri Stolle (Warren, CT) netted a layup, which sent Western into the final quarter with a 43-42 lead.

The Anchorwomen finally broke through in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visitors, 15-9, in the final stanza. RIC slowly built its lead, with a made layup and free throw by sophomore forward Rybecca Gonzalez (Pawtucket, RI) giving the Anchorwomen a 49-45 lead with 3:22 remaining. RIC salted the game away in the final eight seconds as Moore buried a pair of free throws to clinch the win.

RIC shot 32.1 percent (18-for-56) from the field, 16.7 percent (2-for-12) from three-point range and 79.2 percent (19-for-24) from the charity stripe. Moore tossed in 21 to go along with five assists and four rebounds, while Hill dropped in 19 points and snagged 13 caroms to go along with two blocks. Gonzalez was the final Anchorwoman in double figures, scoring 12 in the victory.

Western shot 32.8 percent (20-for-61) from the field, 31.8 percent (7-for-22) from downtown and 45.5 percent (5-for-11) from the free throw line. Mierzejewski scored 13 points and grabbed four rebounds off the bench, while Stolle dished out a game-high eight assists in the loss.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East Conference play at home against Keene State on Saturday, Feb. 20 (1 p.m.).