Jan. 23, 2007

Box Score

Box Score Vs. Villanova in PDF Format
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PROVIDENCE, R.I. - The Providence College men's basketball team (13-6, 3-3) dropped an 82-73 decision to Villanova (14-5, 3-3) despite a late Friar run to close out the game. The loss at home to the Wildcats marked the second time this season that the Friars had been defeated at the Dunkin Donuts Center.

Guards Dwain Williams (Murrieta, Calif./Vista Murrieta) and Sharaud Curry (Gainesville, Ga./Wheeler) each scored 18 points a piece to lead the Friars.

In addition, Herbert Hill (Kinston, N.C./Kinston), Weyinmi Efejuku (Fresh Meadows, N.Y.) and Geoff McDermott (New Rochelle, N.Y./Brewster) also finished in double-double figures. Despite the loss, PC shot 55 percent from the field.

Villanova guard Scottie Reynolds led the way for the Wildcats with a game 20 points.

The Friars opened the game with an early deficit as the Wildcats jumped out to an early 19-11 lead. Curry found himself in early foul trouble during the stretch as he was hit with his second personal at the 17:08 mark in the first half.

With just over 10 minutes to go in the first half, the Friars found themselves trailing 21-11, which led to a PC timeout. Coming out of the timeout, the Friars would respond with a 10-2 run to close to with two points at 23-21.

PC took its first lead with 3:51 to go in the first half thanks to a 3-pointer by Williams. On the Friars next possession, Williams connected on another 3-pointer to give PC a 33-29 lead. The Wildcats responded with 9-5 run to close out the first half and take a 41-37 lead into the locker room.

Williams, who scored the Friars final nine points of the first half led all PC scorers with 12 points all of which came from beyond the arc.

Villanova opened the second half with 14-5 run to take its largest lead of the game at 55-42. PC would respond to cut the Wildcat lead to 59-54.

The Wildcats would respond once again to push their advantage to 71-62.

Down 76-65 with less than four minutes to go, PC mounted one last comeback. The Friars closed the Villanova lead to 76-72 with less than a minute and a half to go, but would fall short.

PC returns to action as it travels to Connecticut at Noon on Saturday.