RIC Edged By Keene State, 82-78

Providence, R.I.—Senior guard Kinsey Durgin (Greenwood, Maine) scored a game-high 27 points, but it wasn’t enough as Keene State College edged Rhode Island College, 82-78, in Little East Conference men’s basketball action this afternoon at The Murray Center. The Owls raised their overall record to 5-0 and 1-0 in the conference circuit, while the Anchormen fell to 3-1 and 0-1.

Keene State junior guard Shiwon Davis (Bridgeport, Conn.) connected on a three-pointer with just 1:18 remaining in regulation, giving the Owls just their second advantage of half. Classmate David Sontag (Mount Veron, N.H.) converted on five-of-six free throw attempts in the final 31 seconds to ensure the Owls fourth straight victory. Sontag finished the contest with 14 points, including nine-of-12 from the charity stripe.

The Anchormen gained the advantage midway through the opening half. Sophomore forward Kaseem Johnson (New Haven, Conn.) keyed Rhode Island College’s surge with five points, turning a two-point lead into an eight-point margin with 6:44 remaining. Keene State responded with four points, but Rhode Island College entered the intermission leading 30-25. 

The Anchormen got off to a fast start in the second half, hitting a trio of three-pointers in the opening minute. Durgin sandwiched a pair of three-pointers between sophomore guard Bobby Bailey (Fall River, Mass.) field goal as Rhode Island College ballooned its advantage to 12 points.

Keene State used the same method of offense to whittle into its deficit. Junior guard Matt Hickey (Mahopac, N.Y.) knocked a pair of three-point baskets within two minutes to tie the score at 58-58 with 8:05 remaining. Hickey finished with a team-high 17 points, including five-of-eight from downtown. 

Neither team could put together a run down the stretch, as the game was tied five times in the final minutes.

The sophomore tandem of Kaseem Johnson and Cameron Stewart both reached double figures for the Anchormen. Johnson registered 14 points, while Stewart posted 11 points and seven rebounds.  

Rhode Island College returns to action on Dec. 5, when the Anchormen travel to Johnson & Wales. Cox Sports Television will broadcast the game live, beginning at 7:30 p.m.