Providence, R.I.--Freshman guard Shion Darby (Peekskill, NY) led the Anchormen with 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds as the Rhode Island College men's basketball team fell to UMass Boston, 72-68, in Little East action played at The Murray Center on Saturday afternoon. 

THE BASICS
UMass Boston 72, Rhode Island College 68
UMass Boston (11-5, 5-2 LEC)
Rhode Island College (13-4, 6-2 LEC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
• The game began with both team trading baskets. Neither side was able to build much of a lead through the first eight minutes of action. The Beacons held a three-point advantage, 15-12, at the under-12 media timeout.

• The Anchormen gained the lead following a junior forward Tim Deng (Portland, ME) three-pointer, which put the hosts up by a pair, 30-28, with 4:05 remaining in the half. It would prove to be the last time RIC would hold a lead on the day.

• At the halftime intermission, the score was deadlocked at 36 apiece.

• The second half was similar to the first, with both teams draining shots. UMB built its largest lead of eight points, 56-48, with 9:11 to play in the second half.

• The Anchormen climbed back and narrowed the deficit to just three points, 68-65, following a Darby three.

• Missed free throws, a pair of missed shooting attempts and a controversial turnover spoiled the Anchormen comeback with under 20 seconds remaining.

• Deng finished with a double-double (14 points and 11 rebounds). Senior forward Ben Vezele (Providence, RI) chipped in with 18 points and grabbed nine boards.

• Senior guard Jonatan Batista (Providence, RI) scored two points, grabbed nine rebounds and handed out a pair of assists. 

• UMB junior guard Charles Mitchell (Boston, MA) scored 21 points to go along with three rebounds and a pair of assists. 

BY THE NUMBERS
• RIC shot 34 percent (23-for-67) from the field, 31 percent (8-for-26) from three-point range and 67 percent (14-for-21) from the foul line. 

• UMB shot 39 percent (27-for-70) from the field, 36 percent (9-for-25) from three-point territory and 90 percent (9-for-10) from the foul line. 

• UMB held a slight advantage on the glass, 46-43, and had more second chance points, 16-10. 

WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. Plymouth State on Saturday, Jan. 25 (3 p.m.).