Providence, R.I.--Junior forward Xavier Mendez (Pawtucket, R.I.) registered 21 points and grabbed a career-high 21 rebounds as Rhode Island College fell vs. Southern Maine, 74-68, at The Murray Center on Wednesday evening.
 
THE BASICS
Southern Maine 74, Rhode Island College 68
Southern Maine (13-8, 8-4 LEC)
Rhode Island College (11-10, 7-5 LEC)
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
• The largest lead of the first half for the Huskies was four, 21-17, until the Anchormen took over and went in front, 22-21, after a trey from senior guard CJ Wilson (Hartford, Conn.).
 
• Mendez then scored six straight to put the hosts in the lead by seven at the half, 33-26.
 
• The Anchormen opened up the first five minutes of the second 20 minutes on a 16-8 run and led by as many as 15, 49-34, with 16 minutes remaining.
 
• The visitors fought their way back and outscored RIC, 40-19, for the rest of the game to overcome a double-digit deficit.
 
• The Huskies shot 48 from the field in the second half and held the Anchormen to 32 percent shooting and just three points inside the final three minutes.

• Senior guard Loudon Chupas (Colchester, Conn.) posted 14 points, classmate guard CJ Wilson (Hartford, Conn.) registered 11 points and six assists and senior guard Tyriek Weeks (Warwick, R.I.) recorded 12 points and six rebounds.
 
WHAT'S NEXT
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will continue Little East play at UMass Boston on Saturday, Feb. 7 (3 p.m.).