Willimantic, Conn.--Freshman forward Eva Monahan (Woodstock, Conn.) poured in a career-high 21 points to pair with 13 boards as Rhode Island College defeated Eastern Connecticut, 70-58, at Geissler Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 70, Eastern Connecticut 58
Rhode Island College (12-5, 6-2 LEC)
Eastern Connecticut (7-10, 4-4 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• A strong rebounding performance in the first quarter put the Anchorwomen ahead, 14-9, after the first 10 minutes.
 
• RIC's, 14-5, run in the middle of the second frame gave the visitors a double-digit lead going into halftime, 34-22.
 
• A barrage of threes in the third stanza from the Anchorwomen had the visitors coasting through three quarters.
 
• The Warriors cut their deficit down to seven, 57-49, three minutes into the fourth quarter, but RIC was able to close out the hosts as sophomore guards Jaina Yekelchik (North Scituate, R.I.) and Shalyn Smith (Middletown, Conn.) both made buckets down the stretch.
 
• Smith and Yekelchik finished in double figures for the night with 18 and 12, respectively.

• Junior guard Abby Wager (Mansfield, Mass.) recorded a career-high 17 rebounds.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. Plymouth State on Saturday, Jan. 24 (1 p.m.).