Providence, R.I.--Junior guard Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) registered 16 points and eight rebounds as Rhode Island College fell vs. Western Connecticut, 83-70, on Senior Night at The Murray Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Western Connecticut 83, Rhode Island College 70
Western Connecticut (18-6, 11-4LEC)
Rhode Island College (11-13, 7-8 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• RIC honored senior guards Loudon Chupas (Colchester, Conn.), Tyriek Weeks (Warwick, R.I.) and CJ Wilson (Hartford, Conn.) as part of Senior Night prior to the game.
 
• The Anchormen got off to a slow start, shooting 1-for-15 from three-point range and committing 12 turnovers, in the first half as the Wolves practically did not miss in the early goings and held the lead, 44-28, at the half.
 
• RIC was able to hit more shots from long range in the second half and slowed down the Wolves' momentum at certain points, but the Anchormen's defensive intensity wasn't sustainable.
 
• WestConn put the nail in the coffin with five minutes remaining as they brought its lead back up to 20, 74-54.
 
• Junior guard Mike Paquette (Cranston, R.I.) registered a career-high 15 points to pair with four rebounds.

• Sophomore guard Jalen Claude (New Haven, Conn.) was in double figures as well with 13 points.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will close out the regular season at Keene State on Saturday, Feb. 21 (3 p.m.).