Dec. 29, 1997
Providence Beats Cleveland Handily 72-60
Stats
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Providence's Jamel Thomas scored 15 points Monday as
the Friars defeated the Cleveland State Vikings 72-60.
The Friars (5-4) led most of the game, capitalizing on Cleveland's low
36-percent shooting in the first half. The Friars also had an advantage in free
throws, making 17 of 25 compared to Cleveland's 8 of 11.
The closest the Vikings (3-6) came to catching up was at 6:24 in the first
half when they tied the score 9-9 with Michael Bowens' dunk.
Providence responded with a 25-9 streak in the next 10 minutes.
Cleveland State's leading scorer, James Madison, scored 15 points. He sank
two straight 3-pointers late in the first half to help trim the Friar lead to
38-24 at halftime.
Cleveland State outscored the Friars 36-34 in the second half but they were
never able to cut the lead below 10 points.
Theo Dixon scored nine of his 13 points in the second half. JoVonn Jefferson
also had eight of his 10 points in the second half.
Other Providence players in double figures included Llewellyn Cole with 14
points, Kendrick Moore with 11, and Justin Farley with 10.
