'PROVIDENCE, R.I.  01/21/06 - Bri Barnes (Merrimack, N.H.) had a game-high 16 points and Stacey Morse (Lebanon, N.H.) finished with 10 points and seven rebounds to help Keene State snap its four game losing streak with a 65-49 Little East Conference victory over Rhode Island College in Providence on Saturday.

Keene State improves to 9-8 (4-3 LEC) while RIC (7-9, 0-7 LEC) remains winless in conference play.

The Owls pulled away from the Anchorwomen midway in the first half.  Leading by seven (18-11), KSC used a 10-1 run to stretch its lead up to 16 points on a pair of free throws by Caitlin Jamiel (Cranston, R.I.) at the 8:16 mark.

KSC saw its lead almost vanquish in the second half.  Leading by as many as 24 points, KSC withstood a late charge by the Anchorwomen, who cut the deficit to just five points (50-45 with 6:24 to play.

KSC outscored RIC 15-4 the rest of the way to post the much needed lEC win.

Sarah Begnoche (Millville, Mass.) also added eight points and seven rebounds for the Owls.

Keene State hit eight of its 15 three-point attempts, made 11 of 14 from the line, and committed just seven turnovers.

Kari Geisler was the only RIC player in double-figures with 11 points and a game-high 13 rebounds.

Keene State returns to Spaulding Gym on Tuesday night to face rival Plymouth State (5:30 p.m.).