Friars blast Scarlet Knights 76-50
Providence thumped Rutgers on Wednesday night 76-50, keeping the Scarlet Knights winless in Big East play. Despite a see-saw first half that featured numerous lead changes with Providence leading by one at the break, 35-34, Rutgers (8-8, 0-3) went stone cold from the field in the second half, hitting on only 2-of-20 field goal attempts (10 percent shooting). The Scarlet Knights shot just 32 percent for the game, while turning the ball over 18 times. Providence manhandled Rutgers on the glass, 43-27, and mauled the Scarlet Knights in points in the paint, 44-14.
Providence (10-5, 1-2) notched their first win in Big East play behind 24 points from Brian McKenzie. Jeff Xavier added 11 points and Randall Hanke finished with 12 points. J.R. Inman led Rutgers with 11 points and Anthony Farmer was the only other Scarlet Knight in double figures with 10. At one stretch, Rutgers went 12 minutes without a field goal during their dreadful second half.
Providence will aim for their second straight conference win on Saturday afternoon when they host South Florida at 4 p.m., and Rutgers will host Louisville on Sunday at noon.
Tags: Big East Basketball, NCAA Men's basketball, Providence Friars, Rutgers Scarlet Knights