Providence, R.I.--Sophomore guard Shalyn Smith (Middletown, Conn.) registered 20 points, four rebounds and four assists as Rhode Island College defeated Eastern Connecticut, 64-56, for the club's eighth straight win at The Murray Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Rhode Island College 64, Eastern Connecticut 56
Rhode Island College (18-5, 12-2 LEC)
Eastern Connecticut (8-14, 5-8 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The Anchorwomen's, 5-0, run to end the first quarter put the hosts in the driver's seat with the, 19-11, lead with 10 minutes left to play in the first half.
 
• The Warriors found some life in the second quarter as they surged back and took the lead by a pair, 27-25, at the half.
 
• Smith opened the third frame with five quick points, while junior guard Abby Wager (Mansfield, Mass.) tallied six points in the quarter, as RIC took a one-point, 45-44, lead heading into the final 10 minutes of regulation.
 
• Eastern held a brief four-point, 49-45, lead before the Anchorwomen went on an 11-0 run to essentially lock up the club's eighth straight win vs. Little East opposition.
 
• Freshman forward Eva Monahan (Woodstock, Conn.) finished with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
 
• Wager recorded 15 points in the win.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at home vs. Western Connecticut on Wednesday, Feb. 18 (5:30 p.m.).