Providence, R.I.—Junior guard
Meagan Schuermann (Cooperstown, N.Y.) hit the game-winning free throws with 0.9 seconds left, while freshman forward
Eva Monahan (Woodstock, Conn.) posted a new career-high of 15 points, as Rhode Island College narrowly defeated MIT, 58-57, at The Murray Center on Saturday afternoon.
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 58, MIT 57
Rhode Island College (4-1)
MIT (1-4)
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Engineers were all over the hosts early, as they collected seven offensive boards, which led to six second chance points, in just the first quarter, but it was not enough as the Anchorwomen held the lead, 14-13, after 10 minutes.
• MIT would go on a 20-8 run in the second stanza, which gave the Engineers a double-digit lead heading into the halftime break, 33-22. RIC turned the ball over 15 times in the first half.
• The Anchorwomen put up a fight in the third quarter as Schuermann registered half of her point total in the stanza to keep RIC in the game down by just three, 44-41.
• Sophomore guard
Shalyn Smith (Middletown, Conn.) hit two clutch threes in the final minute, including one with 14 seconds left to pull the Anchorwomen within two, 56-54.
• RIC committed a foul on the ensuing MIT possession, but visitors made just one of their free throws.
• With the clock winding down, Smith missed a three, but junior guard
Maggie McKitchen (Seekonk, Mass.) converted a layup off the offensive rebound to bring RIC to within one, 57-56.
• After a long baseball pass on the inbounds by MIT, Schuermann picked it off at the other end of the court and an ill-advised Engineer foul put her on the line with less than a second remaining.
• She hit both free throws and picked off the inbounds pass to seal the miraculous win for the Anchorwomen.
• Schuermann finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds and seven steals.
• Junior guard
Abby Wager (Mansfield, Mass.) poured in 14 points, four boards, three steals and three blocks.
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will host Bridgewater State on Tuesday, Nov. 25 (5:30 p.m.).
