Providence, R.I.—Sophomore guard Naima Bleou (Worcester, Mass.) hit the game-winning free throws, while junior guard Abby Wager (Mansfield, Mass.) posted 17 points and corralled eight rebounds, as Rhode Island College narrowly defeated UMass Dartmouth, 71-70, to open Little East play at The Murray Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 71, UMass Dartmouth 70
Rhode Island College (6-2, 1-0 LEC)
UMass Dartmouth (3-4, 0-1 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchorwomen got out to a hot start and led, 14-9, after sophomore guard Jaina Yekelchik (North Scituate, R.I.) made a layup.
 
• However, two late RIC fouls put the Corsairs at the line as the visitors would take the lead, 19-18, going into the second frame.
 
• A pair of threes from Wager and a couple layups by junior guard Meagan Schuermann (Cooperstown, N.Y.) gave the Anchorwomen the lead at the half, 36-34.
 
• The Corsair bench outscored RIC's bench, 16-4, in the third quarter and the game would be knotted up at 52 apiece heading into the final 10 minutes.
 
• The Anchorwomen trailed by four, 69-65, with 1:22 remaining before sophomore guard Shalyn Smith (Middletown, Conn.) made a layup to bring the hosts within two.
 
• RIC fouled, putting the Corsairs at the line where they went 1-for-2 to build a 70-67 advantage.
 
• The Anchorwomen would then force a turnover, which led to a Yekelchik fast break layup, and Wager stole the inbounds pass and was fouled with 3.5 seconds left.
 
• With Wager shaken up on the play, Bleou came off the bench to take and make the free throws and then stole the ensuing inbounds pass to seal the win.
 
• Schuermann finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds to go along with three steals.

• Freshman forward Eva Monahan (Woodstock, Conn.) continued to be dominant with a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at Plymouth State on Saturday, Dec. 6 (Noon).