Plymouth, N.H.--Junior guard Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) posted a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds as Rhode Island College defeated Plymouth State, 67-58, at Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 67, Plymouth State 58
Rhode Island College (6-3, 2-0 LEC)
Plymouth State (4-5, 0-1 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• It was a back and forth first half between both teams until junior guard Mike Paquette (Cranston, R.I.) drilled a three-ball as the game clock expired to put the Anchormen ahead by 11, 35-24.
 
• RIC opened the second half of action on a 14-8 run, but The Panthers brought their deficit back to a single digits, 57-51, with three minutes left to play in regulation.
 
• Six points from Mendez in the final two minutes and key free throws from Paquette would seal the win for the Anchormen.
 
• Freshman guard Kyle Prete (North Providence, R.I.) finished with 11 points, while senior guard Loudon Chupas (Colchester, Conn.) posted 15 points.
 
• The Anchormen were without one of their leading scorers in freshman guard Noe Bom (Hamburg, Germany).
 
• RIC has now won four consecutive games, which includes two Little East matchups.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. VTSU Castleton on Saturday, Dec. 13 (2 p.m.).