The Providence College Friars outscored Maine 49-30 in the second half on Monday night, in pulling away for an 83-56 men’s basketball win at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, Rhode Island. It was the season opener for both teams.
The Black Bears were very competitive in the first half, taking a pair of early leads on three-pointers by Villiam Garcia Adsten and Killian Gribben. A three-pointer by Leonardo Marangon though would put the Friars ahead for good. They extended their lead up to 30-18, and led 34-26 at the break. Providence blew it open leading by as many as 33 in the second half sparked by a 13-0 run after intermission.
Jacob Bannarbie led five players in double figures for Providence and was the high scorer in the game by recording a double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. True freshman Hudson Franz led Maine with 13 points in his first collegiate game. Ayden Evans added 11 points, while Gribben contributed 10 points, four rebounds, one blocked shot, and one steal. Garcia Adsten and Ace Flagg chipped in seven points a piece. The Black Bears committed 23 turnovers in the defeat to just eight for the Friars, as PC outscored them 29-6 off those errors. Maine will be on the road again on Thursday night at Sacred Heart for a 7 p.m. tip-off.
Photo of Hudson Franz from UMaine Athletics
