Willimantic, Conn.--Sophomore forward Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) posted a double-double by netting 22 points and grabbing 10 rebounds as Rhode Island College fell to Eastern Connecticut, 79-52, in Little East action played at Geissler Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Eastern Connecticut 79, Rhode Island College 52
Eastern Connecticut (14-10, 5-9 LEC)
Rhode Island College (14-10, 9-6 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Eastern Connecticut's strong shooting start within the first five minutes catapulted the hosts into the lead, 13-5, but the Anchormen sailed their way back to tie the game at 13 apiece with 10:48 left in the first half.
 
• However, the Warriors were just getting started as they closed out the half on a 20-7 run to lead by 13, 33-20, at the break.
 
• RIC would not be able to contain the Warriors, as the hosts dominated all aspects of the second half and would hold the Anchormen to their lowest point total of the year.
 
• The Anchormen were without fifth-year forward Ousmane Kourouma (Woonsocket, R.I.) for the second consecutive contest.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will close out the regular season at home vs. Keene State on Saturday, Feb. 22 (3 p.m.).