PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Led by Shion Darby's 26 points Rhode Island College handed men's basketball their third-straight loss as they dropped a 89-76 Little East Conference decision Saturday afternoon at the Murray Center.

THE BASICS

UMass Boston 76, Rhode Island College 89

UMass Boston (5-6, 1-2 Little East Conference)
Rhode Island College (10-2, 3-1 Little East Conference)

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Anchormen jumped out to a commanding first half lead and never looked back as they handed the Beacons their last loss of 2021. RIC held a 22-point lead by the midway point of the opening half. However, once the Beacons were able to build some momentum, they cut the deficit to eight before the halftime break.

RIC responded with a 7-0 run to start the second half to regain their double-digit lead, which they would maintain for the remainder of the contest.

Darby paced RIC's offense behind an impressive 14-of-16 performance at the free throw line. He was also 5-for-21 from the field, which included a pair of 3-pointers.

Charles Mitchell (Boston, Mass.) finished one point shy of matching Darby's game-high as the senior guard finished with 25 points. Of his seven made field goals, five were from distance. He also went 6-for-7 at the line.

Stephen DiGregorio (Marlborough, Mass.) recorded his first career double-double as he totaled 14 points and 12 rebounds. Charlie Mitchell (Boston, Mass.) and Malik Lorquet (Sharon, Mass.) combined for 21 points respectively to round out the Beacons top-4 scorers.

BY THE NUMBERS

• Rhode Island College finished with 52-41 advantage on the glass
• Ousmane Kourouma recorded the Anchormen's only double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds
• UMass Boston shot 35.9% from the field, while the Anchormen shot a combined 42.9%
• All-time UMass Boston is now 35-43 against the Anchormen
• Saturday's win for RIC was their first over the Beacons since 2016
• The Beacons are now 10-2 against RIC since February 6, 2016

WHO'S NEXT
The Beacons will host Castleton University on January 5 at 7 p.m.