Babson Park, Mass.-Senior guard Nyheem Sanders (Pawtucket, RI) scored 19 points as Rhode Island College opened the season with a 79-70 loss to Skidmore in first round action of the 2013 Babson Invitational on Friday evening at Staake Gymnasium.

The Anchormen (0-1) will face Thomas College (0-1) in the consolation game tomorrow at 2 p.m.

Rhode Island College led by two, 36-34, at the half, only to see Skidmore (1-0) come back to hold a 45-34 advantage in the second stanza.

Junior forward Chris Burton (New Rochelle, NY) posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds for the club. Freshman guard Austin Cilley (Westerly, RI) scored 12 points to round out the RIC contingent in double figures.

Sophomore forward Erik Sanders (New York, NY) led the Thoroughbreds with 19 points, while classmate guard Aldin Medunjanin (New York, NY) had 17 points and six rebounds.

Junior forward Connor Merrill (Panton, VT) contributed 14 points and eight rebounds, while sophomore guard Tanner Brooks (Pikesville, MD) chipped in with a 12-point effort. 

Rhode Island College shot 35 percent (25-for-72) from the field, 30 percent (7-for-23) from three-point range and 65 percent (13-for-20) from the free throw line.

The Thoroughbreds shot 45 percent (25-for-56) from the field, 29 percent (6-for-21) from downtown and 68 percent (23-for-34) from the charity stripe.

Skidmore held the advantage in rebounding, 46-39.