Willimantic, Conn.--Junior forward Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) racked up 27 points and corralled 14 rebounds as Rhode Island College team defeated Eastern Connecticut, 99-92, played at Geissler Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 99, Eastern Connecticut 92
Rhode Island College (9-8, 5-3 LEC) 
Eastern Connecticut (11-6, 3-5 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchormen shot 63 percent from the field in the first half, en route to their highest scoring opening 20 minutes of the season, to lead by 10, 50-40.
 
• After 12 points in the first half by freshman guard Noe Bom (Hamburg, Germany), he got right back on track with an early bucket in the second half to maintain the RIC advantage, 58-42.
 
• The Warriors never relented, despite being down 18, 86-68, with six minutes to play in regulation, as they began to make a push.
 
• The hosts brought the Anchormen lead down to five, 94-89, with 44 seconds on the clock, but late free throws from the visitors helped RIC secure its fourth league win of the season.
 
• Bom missed just one shot on the night and ended with 20 points
 
• Senior guard Loudon Chupas (Colchester, Conn.) contributed 17 points and four boards.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. Plymouth State on Saturday, Jan. 24 (3 p.m.).