Castleton, Vt.--Freshman Nathaniel Maldonado (Bronx, N.Y.) exploded for a career-high 35 points as the Rhode Island College men's basketball team defeated Castleton, 82-70, in the Little East opener for both clubs on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 82, Castleton 70
Rhode Island College (3-6, 1-0)
Castleton (3-5, 0-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Maldonado scored 10 of the Anchormen's first 14 points, and 18 points in the first half, as RIC went into halftime up by 10, 44-34. The visitors ended the half on a 6-0 run over the final two minutes.
 
• From 16:01-10:24 of the second half, RIC went on a 14-6 run, with Maldonado going off for 11 of the 14 points by himself. That gave RIC a 20-point, 67-47, advantage.
 
• Castleton made a push late, but never got within 10 points and the Anchormen held on to snap a modest two-game losing streak.
 
• Maldonado shot 12-for-21, which included a 5-for-10 performance from downtown.
 
• Freshman guard Anthony Rivera (Staten Island, N.Y.) returned to the lineup after missing the last two games and scored 16 points, to go along with five rebounds and four assists.
 
• The Spartans had four student-athletes score in double-figures, with sophomore guard Brandon Cahill (Red Hook, N.Y.) leading the way with 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College continues Little East action at home vs. Southern Maine on Wednesday, Dec. 7 (7:30 p.m.).