PROVIDENCE, R.I.— The Rhode Island College men’s basketball team debuted at No. 22 in the latest edition of the D3hoops.com national poll this morning, marking the program’s first national ranking. The Anchormen have been on the verge of cracking the national standings all season, receiving recognition in the “Others Receiving Votes” section in all previous seven listings.

The D3hoops.com national poll is comprised of a 25-person panel, consisting of three voters from each of the eight regions and web master Pat Coleman. The voters are coaches, Sports Information Directors and media members.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Bob Walsh, Rhode Island College is riding the momentum of a 10-game win streak, which began with a convincing 82-53 victory at intra-state rival Johnson & Wales University on Dec. 5, 2006. The Anchormen have also tied the program’s best 14-game start to a campaign, matching the 13-1 mark posted by the 1970-71 squad.

Coach Walsh said, “Being ranked in the Top 25 recognizes the level of hard work and sacrifice that our guys have put into winning basketball games. This is a very exciting time for Rhode Island College basketball being off to the best start in the history of the school. But we also understand that the ranking will not help us win our next game or the Little East Conference, and that where you are at the end of the season is what is truly important.”

Rhode Island College features a well-balanced offensive attack with four student-athletes averaging double figures in scoring. Senior guard Kinsey Durgin (Greenwood, Maine) has paced the Anchormen with 15.6 ppg. He has reached double digits in scoring in his past eight contests, including a season-high 29 points at Plymouth State on Dec. 9. Durgin also leads the team in assists, handing out 39 helpers. The sophomore trio of Tirrell Hill (Bronx, N.Y.), Bobby Bailey (Fall River, Mass.) and Cameron Stewart (Newport, R.I.) are averaging 11.9, 10.4, and 10.2 points per game, respectively.

Sophomore forward Kaseem Johnson (New Haven, Conn.) has pulled in a team-high 77 rebounds (5.9 rpg), while senior center John Weir (Danbury, Conn.) has redirected a team-best 15 shots.

Rhode Island College returns to action on Jan. 16 when the Anchormen host Little East Conference rival Western Connecticut State University (10-5, 4-1). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at The Murray Center.

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