NEWPORT, R.I. - Junior Ryan Birrell (Hope, R.I.) scored a game-high 22 points and classmate Dan Royce (Mahwah, N.J.) recorded 20 points and 14 rebounds as the Salve Regina University men's basketball team picked up its first win of the season with a 68-57 triumph over Connecticut College in non-conference action Friday night at the Rodgers Recreation Center.

Graduate student Jabreche Boyd (West Haven, Conn.) added 18 points for the Seahawks (1-7), who snapped a nine-game losing streak, dating back to last season. Sophomore Demetrius Porter (Pearl River, N.Y.) led the Camels (3-5) with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

"I was very proud of our guys tonight. I thought they played tremendous, especially our leaders Ryan, Dan, and JB," said Seahawk head coach Sean Foster. "They really upped their game tonight and refused to let us lose to a very strong Connecticut College team."

The Seahawks took a 32-31 lead into halftime behind 10 points each from Royce and Birrell. They shot 43.3 percent from the field and only turned the ball over six times. The Camels were equally as hot from the field, knocking down 48 percent of their shots, including five from behind the three-point arc.

In the second half, the Seahawks defense held the Camels to just five field goals (5-for-25), and a five-point play from Boyd late in the second half gave the Seahawks a 59-50 lead with 4:04 remaining in the contest. Boyd knocked down a three--pointer and was then fouled, where he made a pair of free throws that gave Salve Regina its largest lead of the contest.

"Hopefully, our guys will keep working hard and understand that once we get to the league season, we can be a very competitive team if we stay together and play well," added Foster.

Salve Regina held a slim 34-32 edge on the glass. Senior Shavar Bernier (Dover, N.H.) was the only other Camel to reach double-figures in scoring, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-12 shooting.

The Seahawks return to action on January 2 when they compete at the Springfield Tournament in Massachusetts. The Camels host Springfield Tuesday night at 7 p.m.