PLYMOUTH, N.H. – The Plymouth State University men's basketball team fell to Rhode Island College, 67-58, in its Little East Conference (LEC) opener at Foley Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
The Anchormen closed the first half on an 18-2 run to take a 35-24 lead into the break. Plymouth State trailed by as many as 12 points but battled back, pulling within 43-41 midway through the second half. RIC, however, answered with timely baskets to hold off the Panthers' comeback bid.
Senior
Torran Bosworth (Springfield, Mass.) paced the Panthers with 14 points, while sophomore
Brady Hulland (Amston, Conn.) and freshman
Asante' Aurora (New Bedford, Mass.) each added 10.
Plymouth State drops to 4-5 (0-1 LEC), while the Anchormen improve to 6-3 (2-0 LEC).
The Basics:
- Plymouth State 58, Rhode Island College 67
- Plymouth State (4-5, 0-1 LEC)
- Rhode Island College (6-3, 2-0 LEC)
Top Performers:
How it Happened:
- The teams traded baskets early, sitting tied 14-14 midway through the opening half.
- Eight straight Panther points pushed Plymouth State into the lead, 22-17, with 7:41 left before halftime.
- RIC surged in front, taking a 35-24 halftime advantage.
- Plymouth State opened the second half strong, cutting the margin to 38-32 with 15:06 remaining.
- RIC responded with five quick points to rebuild the lead 43-32.
- The Panthers answered with three consecutive threes to close within 43-41, setting up an intense final 10-plus minutes.
- RIC's full-court pressure began to take effect, sparking an 11-3 run that pushed the Anchormen ahead 54-44 with six minutes left.
- PSU was able to trim the margin to six multiple times, but couldn't get any closer as RIC held on for the win.
By the Numbers:
- PSU shot 7-of-16 (43.8%) from three in the second half.
- RIC attempted 31 free throws to the Panthers' 13.
- RIC owned a 52-26 edge on the glass, including 16-5 on the offensive boards.
- Bench points favored RIC, 18-14.
- Points off turnovers went to PSU, 18-9.
Up Next:
- The Panthers travel to Western Connecticut State University for another LEC matchup on Saturday (Dec. 13). Tip-off is set for 3 p.m. at Stephen Feldman Arena.
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