Gorham, Maine--Freshman guard Shion Darby (Peekskill, NY) tied his career-high with 42 points to go along with seven rebounds and six assists as the Rhode Island College men's basketball team defeated the Southern Maine, 84-73, in Little East action played at Hill Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 84, Southern Maine 73
Rhode Island College (11-2, 4-0 LEC)
Southern Maine (5-7, 0-5 LEC)

HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchormen jumped out to a quick start with a commanding, 21-7, lead in the first 6:33 of the first half with the help of three treys by junior guard Keyshaun Jacobs (Lynn, MA).

• The Huskies were able to use a run of their own to tie the score with 3:29 left in the half, but the Anchormen held a three-point lead, 45-42, at the end of the first 20 minutes.

• Darby led the Anchormen with 12 points and six assists at the half.

• The second half was back and forth with neither side able to build much of a lead. On four occasions the score was tied in the second half.

• The Anchormen relied on Darby heavily in the second half, as he scored 32 points.

• RIC stood its ground in the final 2:50, allowing only one basket and outscoring the Huskies, 9-2, to remain unbeaten in Little East action.

•  RIC junior forward Tim Deng (Portland, ME) chipped in 11 points and grabbed nine boards. Senior guard Jonatan Batista (Providence, RI) added 10 points, nine rebounds and dished out a pair of assists. Jacobs finished with nine points and six boards.

• USM senior guard Jaire Roberts (Warrenton, VA) led the Huskies with 24 points, 11 rebounds and two assists. 

BY THE NUMBERS
• RIC shot 45 percent (29-for-65) from the field, 32 percent (7-for-22) from three-point territory and 70 percent (19-for-27) from the foul line.

• USM shot 42 percent (30-for-72) from the field, 32 percent (10-for-31) from three-point range and 60 percent (3-for-5) from the foul line.

• RIC outrebounded USM, 45-38, and recorded nine steals on the evening.

WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at Western Connecticut on Thursday, Jan. 9 (7:30 p.m.).