Providence, R.I.—Freshman guard Shalyn Smith (Middletown, Conn.) scored a career-high 17 points, while sophomore guard Meagan Schuermann (Cooperstown, N.Y.) hauled in a career-best 16 rebounds, as Rhode Island College defeated Eastern Connecticut, 61-50, at The Murray Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 61, Eastern Connecticut 50
Rhode Island College (12-5, 7-1 LEC)
Eastern Connecticut (7-10, 6-2 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• Rhode Island College completed the first part of the Little East schedule with a 7-1 record. The Anchorwomen's final eight games are all against conference opposition.
 
• The hosts built a 15-point, 21-6, advantage after a freshman guard Naima Bleou (Worcester, Mass.) jumper with 3:13 left in the first quarter.
 
• After a senior guard Madison Medbury (Scituate, R.I.) three-pointer staked the hosts to a 17-point, 33-16, lead with just over four minutes left in the second quarter, Eastern went on a 9-0 run to close out the first half to trail by just eight, 33-25.
 
• The Warriors pulled within six, 37-31, four minutes into the third quarter, but RIC erupted on a 10-1 run, capped by a Smith trey at 3:13, to lead by 15, 47-32.
 
• The Anchorwomen never saw their lead dip below double digits for the remainder of the contest.
 
• Schuermann finished one point shy of a double-double with nine points.
 
• Medbury finished one assist shy of her second triple-double of the season with 14 points, 11 board and nine helpers.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. VTSU Castleton on Saturday, Jan. 25 (noon).