PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Four Anchormen scored in double figures, led by senior guard Tirrell Hill's (Bronx, NY) game-high 22 points, as Rhode Island College defeated Bridgewater State, 86-80, in collegiate men's basketball action on Tuesday night at The Murray Center.
RIC raises its record to 2-1, while the Bears suffer their first loss of the year, falling to 3-1.
Bridgewater State built a game-high 10-point advantage, 34-24, with 5:40 left in the first half and went into halftime with a 44-36 lead. RIC exploded out of the gates in the second stanza, erupting for a 11-0 run to take the lead, 47-44, paced by five points from senior center Wil Lyons (Warwick, RI) and four by freshman forward Mason Choice (Newport, RI).
The Bears came back to take their final lead of the ballgame,
52-51, on a layup by sophomore guard Judah Jackson
(Everett, MA) with 14:07 left on the
clock. Rhode Island College countered with a three-pointer from
junior guard
Matt St. Ours (West Greenwich, RI) to take the
lead for good.
Choice and senior guard Cameron Stewart (Newport, RI) sealed the win with a pair of free throws each down the stretch.
Lyons was immense in the post, contributing 18 points, seven rebounds and two blocks. Hill chipped in with four assists and three steals, in addition to his scoring. Sophomore guard Antone Gray (Providence, RI) logged 18 points, five rebounds, three assists and three steals. Stewart and Choice rounded out the RIC contingent in double figures with 10-point efforts.
The Bears had four players score in double figures as well. Senior forward Roland Millien (Stoughton, MA) posted a double-double with a 19-point, 16-rebound effort. Jackson had 15 points and four boards.
In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play at Johnson & Wales on Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Bridgewater State hosts UMass Dartmouth on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m.