Rhode Island College

Providence, R.I.--Junior guard Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) recorded 16 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as Rhode Island College defeated Worcester State, 79-74, played at The Murray Center on Tuesday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 79, Worcester State 74
Rhode Island College (2-0)
Worcester State (1-2)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Lancers pushed the pace early and led by seven, 24-17, with eight and a half minutes left to play in the first 20 minutes.
 
• RIC anchored down and found its rhythm late in the first as freshman guard Noe Bom (Hamburg, Germany) scored four points in two minutes to give the hosts the lead at the half, 37-33.
 
• Worcester State would take the lead back five minutes into the second half, however, the Anchormen kept the game within reach.
 
• Mendez would make a layup down the stretch on an assist from senior forward Tyriek Weeks (Warwick, R.I.) to take the lead, 72-69, and never look back.
 
• Weeks knocked down a three with one minute left and came up with a huge block on the defensive end to seal the win for the Anchormen.
 
• Weeks racked up 15 points and 12 rebounds for his second straight contest with a double-double.
 
• Bom ended with 14 points, seven assists and four boards.

• Sophomore guard Jalen Claude (New Haven, Conn.) was spectacular as well with 12 points, which included three treys, and three rebounds.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will travel to MIT on Saturday, Nov. 15 (1 p.m.).