Providence, R.I.—Fifth-year forward Ousmane Kourouma (Woonsocket, R.I.) became just fourth player in program history to grab 1,000 career rebounds as Rhode Island College opened the season in a 73-71 loss at Worcester State on Friday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Worcester State 73, Rhode Island College 71
Worcester State (1-0)
Rhode Island College (0-1)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Kourouma finished with 35 points and 18 rebounds, which brings his career totals to 976 and 1,014, respectively. He needs 24 points to reach 1,000 for his career and become just the fourth Anchorman to eclipse 1,000 in each category.


 
• After trailing, 22-3, within the first 7:08 of the game, the Anchormen were able to go on an 11-2 run with seven points from Kourouma.
 
• The next 13 minutes of the game were dominated by the Lancers, who finished the first half up by 15 points, 43-28.
 
• RIC's fortunes would switch in the second half, as a free throw by sophomore forward Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) and a Kourouma layup brought the Anchormen within five, 57-52, with 10:32 left in regulation.
 
• Despite shooting eight percent from long range, RIC was able to cash in 46 points in the paint and rally back to tie the game at 71 apiece on a Kourouma layup with 15 seconds left in the game.
 
However, a late foul with four seconds left put the Lancers at the line with two shots to seal the win.
 
• Junior guard Loudon Chupas (Colchester, Conn.) had nine points, while senior guard Dwayne Robinson-O'Hagan (Woonsocket, R.I.) totaled seven points, four rebounds and five assists.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play at Johnson and Wales on Wednesday, Nov. 13 (7:30 p.m.).