THE BASICS
Score: Dean College 93, Rivier University 63
Records: Dean College (3-2), Rivier University (0-6)
Location: Pieri Gymnasium, Franklin, Mass.
Date: Thursday, December 1, 2017
Time: 7:00 PM

THE LEAD:
Armani Baker (Pawtucket, R.I.) scored 15 of his team-best 20 points in the first half and host Dean College sprinted past Rivier University, 93-63, in non-league men's basketball action on Thursday evening.

HOW IT HAPPENED:
The Bulldogs shot 53 percent from the field in the opening 20 minutes on their way to a giant first half lead they would never relinquish.

Conversely, the Raiders struggled offensively, committing 14 first half turnovers and connecting on just six of their 22 shot attempts in the opening stanza.

Dean actually fell behind 6-2 after back-to-back three pointers from the Raiders' Keith Poitier and Joshua L'Heureux but they answered back with a 11-0 run that featured two three-pointers from Dayvon Russell (Naugatuck, Conn.), a three-point play from Baker and a steal and coast-to-coast finish by Jordan Booker (Waterbury, Conn.).

The Bulldogs slowly built their lead and when Randolf Thurman (Swampscott, Mass.) dropped in a jumper and Josh Croskey (Union, N.J.) scored inside, Dean was in front 36-18.

That lead continued to grow as Thurman and Booker both knocked down three-pointers and Baker scored before the half to give the Bulldogs a commanding, 45-21 lead at intermission.

Dean didn't let up in the second half and when Croskey scored consecutive hoops, their advantage ballooned to 30 at 61-31 with a little more than 12 minutes left.

The Bulldogs saw their lead peak at 35 when Malik Brown (Miami, Fla.) finished off of a Russell feed, making the score 78-43 at the 5:44 mark.

Dean's reserves finished up the game and freshman Brandon Szlaien (Buenos Aires, Argentina) netted eight of his career-high ten points in the final 4:38.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
Overall, the Bulldogs shot 51 percent from the field and had 23 assists attached to their 37 baskets. With Baker doing a ton of damage on the interior, Dean held a 48-22 edge on points in the paint.

In addition to Baker, the Bulldogs got 13 points from Booker and 14 points and a career-best 12 assists from Russell. Croskey, meanwhile, totaled six points, three steals and a game-best 11 rebounds.

Angel Perez led all scorers with 26 points, aided by a 15-for-19 performance from the charity stripe.

UP NEXT:
Dean will return to the hardwood on Saturday when they visit Bridgewater State for a 1:00 PM tipoff.