Keene, N.H.--Junior guard Shion Darby (Peekskill, N.Y.) scored 31 points in a losing effort as No. 6-seeded Rhode Island College saw its season come to an end in a 73-70 loss to No. 3-seeded Keene State in first round action of the 2022 Little East Men's Basketball Championship played at Spaulding Gymnasium on Tuesday night.
 
THE BASICS
No. 3 Keene State 73, No. 6 Rhode Island College 70
Keene State (18-6)
Rhode Island College (14-12)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• RIC went into halftime up by 12, 40-28, thanks to 18 points from Darby.
 
• Keene State erased it deficit quickly with a 16-4 run through the first five minutes of the second half to tie the game, 44-44.
 
• The Owls would hold a lead that hovered around six points for the remainder of the game, hitting their free throws late and securing the victory to advance to the LEC tourney semifinals.
 
• Darby's 31 points were accompanied by three rebounds and three assists
 
• Senior guard Keyshaun Jacobs (Lynn, Mass.) had 15 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals in his final collegiate game.
 
• Keene State freshman guard Octavio Brito (Lincoln, R.I.) had 21 points and 11 rebounds in the winning effort.
 
• Senior center James Anozie (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) also had a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds.