Rhode Island College downed Div. I Iona 81-72 in a preseason exhibition game on Friday evening. Iona was the MAAC champion in 2005-06 and was picked to finish fourth in the conference this season.

The Anchormen led by 22 points at the half, 46-24, and held on to win, despite being outscored 48-35 in the final frame.

Rhode Island College finished 19-10 last season.

Sophomore guard Bobby Bailey led five Anchormen who scored in double figures with 17 points, to go along with four rebounds, two assists and two steals. Senior guard Kinsey Durgin had 12 points, six boards and five assists, playing all but two minutes of the game.

Coach Bob Walsh's team also got big performances from senior center John Weir and senior forward Brian Stanko. Weir had 13 points, four boards, two assists, two steals and a block, while Stanko contributed 13 points, seven boards and two assists. Sophomore guard Tirrell Hill had 12 points, three boards, two assists and two steals.

Iona senior forward Anthony Bruin netted 17 points and grabbed 12 rebounds to lead the Gaels in the loss. Senior Justin Marshall recorded 12 points and six rebounds and freshman Milan Prodanovic recorded double figures with 11 points with six rebounds and a team-high four assists.

The Anchormen open the 2006-07 season at Tufts' tip-off tournament vs. Endicott on Friday, Nov. 17 at 5 p.m.