The Rhode Island College men’s basketball team improved to 2-0 this season with a 60-52 victory over non-conference opponent Becker College on Thursday, Nov. 17.
Senior center Mike Akinrola led the way for the Anchormen, scoring in double figures for the second consecutive contest, netting a team-high 16 points, while classmate forward Mason Choice added 13 points and a team-high nine rebounds in the win. Sophomore guard Tom DeCiantis continued his strong start to the season, rounding out the trio of Anchormen in double figures with 10 points.
With the signature victory on the road, the Anchormen avenged a loss to the Hawks in their regular season home opener in the Murray Center last year. The Hawks went on to win 24 games and make their first NCAA Tournament appearance in program history last season.
“Toughness and composure got us the win”, said junior guard and team captain Tahrike Carter, who scored six points in the victory.
“This win means a lot for NCAA Tournament bids and we owed them one from a loss in the season opener last year. Our goal is to get to the NCAA Tournament and to go as far as possible and that win helped us push towards achieving that goal.”
Becker was led by standout senior guard Terrence Favors, a First Team All-NECC selection last season, who scored a game-high 18 points and classmate forward Rajai Leggett, also a First Team All-NECC selection last season, who finished with a double-double (15 points and 10 rebounds). Freshman center Jerome Cohen made an impact coming off the bench in his first career game chipping in eight points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough for the Hawks who fell to 0-1 after a loss in their regular season opener.
