PC Starts Strong, Stumbles To Finish In Win Over Georgetown

Providence College Press Release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The No. 20/17 Providence College men’s basketball team defeated Georgetown, 75-72, on Saturday, Feb. 13 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.  The Friars improved to 19-7 (7-6 BIG EAST), while the Hoyas moved to 14-12 (7-6 BIG EAST). 

Three Friars scored in double-digits, including sophomore Rodney Bullock (Hampton, Va.),, junior Kris Dunn (New London, Conn.), and sophomore Ben Bentil (Wilmington, Del.).  Bullock registered a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds.  Dunn had 20 points, added six rebounds, had five assists, made two steals, and recorded one block.  Bentil scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

The Friars opened up the game with a strong lead and continued their momentum for their largest lead of 26 points with 2:17 left in the first, 42-16.  Providence maintained the lead for the entirety of the first without any ties.  The first half ended with the Friars holding a 20 point lead, 49-29.  Sophomore Rodney Bullock (Hampton, Va.) led all in scoring in the first with 18 points, including three 3-pointers, he also grabbed four rebounds.  Sophomore Kris Dunn (New London, Conn.) scored eight points, grabbed three rebounds, and had three assists and two steals in the first.  The Friars shot 52 percent in the first half, including 5-10 from three point territory.

The Hoyas forced the Friars into six turnovers in their first nine possessions of the second and slowly chipped away at the PC lead.  GU got within six points with 5:19 left in the game, 65-59.   With 1:08 left in the game, Trey Mourning hit a three that put the Hoyas down by one, 71-70.  However, Bullock hit two key free throws to get the lead back to three points (73-70).  GU’s Isaac Copeland was fouled attempting a three with 10 seconds left.  He made two of three to get the deficit to one point (73-72).  After the Friars inbounded the ball, the Hoyas fouled Bentil who made both free throws to give the Friars a three point lead once again.  GU’s D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera attempted a three as time ran out, but Bullock blocked the shot and Friars ened their three-game losing streak. 

Georgetown was led by Marcus Derrickson, who scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds.

For the game, the Friars shot 21-of-47 (45%) from the field, while the Hoyas went 25-of-58 (43%).

The Friars will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 17 when they travel to No. 5/4 at 7:00 p.m. on Fox Sports 1.

-GO FRIARS-