Akinrola Nets 23 as RIC Takes Season Series from UMass Boston

Providence, R.I.-Rhode Island College swept the season series from UMass Boston for the third consecutive season with an 81-52 victory in Little East Conference men's basketball action played at The Murray Center.

The Anchormen (12-7, 6-3 LEC) remain in a three-way tie for second place in the LEC standings along with Eastern Connecticut and Keene State. The Beacons (8-11, 2-7 LEC) remain in seventh place with their third setback in five games.

Junior center Mike Akinrola (Woonsocket, RI) continued his strong post play of late, scoring a game-high 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting. Classmate forward Mason Choice (Newport, RI) added 12 points, four rebounds and four assists, while senior forward Darius Debnam (Dorchester, MA) swiped a game-high five steals. Senior guard Antone Gray (Providence, RI) dished out a game-high seven assists.

Senior forward Carl Lee (Warwick, RI) rounded out the RIC contingent in double figures with a 13-point effort, which included two thunderous dunks.

The Beacons shot just 33 percent (17-for-52) from the field and turned the ball over 31 times, which was due in part to 23 RIC steals.

The hosts shot 55 percent (32-of-58) from the field and cashed in on 10 of their 13 trips to the free throw line.

Rhode Island College led the game wire-to-wire, with UMass Boston trailing by double digits for the final 25 minutes. Sophomore guard Michael Mitchell Jr. (Boston, MA) led UMB with 18 points, but made only four-of-14 from the field.

In upcoming action, Rhode Island College will play its final non-conference game of the season when it hosts No. 6 undefeated Amherst (18-0) on Tuesday, Feb. 1.