Dartmouth, Mass.--Senior forward Ousmane Kourouma (Woonsocket, R.I.) sank the game-winner as he finished with 28 points, 20 rebounds and three blocks as Rhode Island College defeated UMass Dartmouth, 87-85, in Little East action at the Tripp Athletic Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 87, UMass Dartmouth 85
Rhode Island College (8-4, 4-0 LEC)
UMass Dartmouth (3-8, 0-3 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• RIC saw success in the first 10 minutes of the game as freshman guard Jalen Claude (New Haven, Conn.) made a sweet left-handed pass to Kourouma for a two-handed jam, which gave the visitors a 12-point lead, 23-11.
 
• Kourouma's first half double-double of 15 points, on 70 percent from the field, and 11 rebounds gave the Anchormen a six-point lead at the break, 40-34.
 
• However, the Corsairs would not go away as they cut RIC's lead down to three, 57-54, seven minutes into the second half.
 
• Clutch defensive stops within the final two minutes of the game for the hosts led to a foul by the Anchormen on a three-point attempt with 30 seconds remaining. UMass Dartmouth would tie the game at 85 apiece with all three free throws.
 
• Then, Kourouma scored what would prove to be the game-deciding bucket with two seconds remaining as RIC stayed undefeated through its first four Little East Conference matchups.
 
• Sophomore guard CJ Wilson (Hartford, Conn.) poured in a season-high 21 points as he missed just one shot on nine attempts in the win.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. Plymouth State on Saturday, Jan. 11 (3 p.m.).