Box Score BABSON PARK, Mass.-- Erik Sanders made the most of his Skidmore debut with 19 points to lead the Thoroughbreds to a 79-70 win over #22 Rhode Island College in the Babson College Invitational, Friday night.
 
The Thoroughbreds (1-0) will play the host school, a 93-44 winner over Thomas College, in Saturday's championship game at 4 p.m.
 
Skidmore trailed 19-8 with 11:03 left in the first half, but the Thoroughbreds went on an 11-0 run to tie it, 19-19 The key play coming on a Tanner Brooks steal that he converted into a three-pointer, to make it 19-17.  Connor Merrill then tied it, 19-19 on a lay-up with 8:20 to play in the half.
 
RIC kept it close and took a 36-34 lead into the break.
 
The game remained tight throughout the second stanza.   Down four, 59-55 with 6:51 to play the Thoroughbreds used a 17-2 run to lead 72-61 with 3:38 to play.  RIT could get no closer than five the rest of the way.
 
Sanders was one of four Skidmore players in double figures. Aldin Medunjanin finished with 17 points, going 10-13 from the line. He also had six rebounds, six assists, and three blocks. Connor Merrill added 14 points and eight rebounds, while Brooks finished with 12 points and three steals.

"I was pleased with our effort and toughness tonight," said Skidmore coach Joe Burke. "It certainly wasn't our cleanest effort but I thought we made big plays in big spots and found a way down the stretch.

" It's a good program win over a nationally ranked opponent. We have great respect for RIC and the incredible run they have been on."