The Providence College men’s basketball team showcased resilience on the court, overcoming a ten-point halftime deficit to take a brief lead against Marquette. However, the game ended in heartbreak as the Friars fell 105-104 in overtime, marking a challenging moment in their season. With this loss, Providence’s record now stands at 9-10 overall and 2-6 in the Big East, while Marquette improves to 7-13 and 2-7 in the conference.
Game Highlights
Marquette established a strong first-half presence, closing out the period with two three-pointers that propelled them to a 54-44 lead. The Golden Eagles displayed impressive shooting, hitting 61% of their shots in the first half. In contrast, the Friars, despite their struggles, began to chip away at Marquette’s lead in the second half, eventually tying the game with just over eight minutes remaining.
Stefan Vaaks emerged as a key player for Providence, contributing 26 points, while Jaylin Sellers led the team with 27 points. The duo’s efforts were crucial as the Friars battled back to take a four-point lead with less than a minute left in regulation.
However, it was freshman Nigel James Jr. who stole the spotlight for Marquette, delivering a stellar performance with 38 points and 8 assists. His late-game heroics included a critical three-pointer that cut the Friars’ lead to one point, followed by a foul on a three-point attempt that sent him to the free-throw line. James converted all three attempts, sending the game into overtime.
Overtime Drama
In the extra period, the intensity escalated as both teams exchanged leads. Providence initially took the advantage with a floater from Vaaks, but Marquette quickly responded with a three-pointer. The back-and-forth continued, culminating in a tie at 104-104. A turnover by Corey Floyd Jr. proved costly for the Friars, allowing Marquette to take the lead with a free throw in the final seconds. Despite a last-second three-point attempt by Vaaks, Providence fell short, unable to secure the win.
Statistical Insights
Throughout the game, Providence shot 50% from the field, including 41.7% from beyond the arc, and maintained a strong free-throw percentage at 87.4%. Marquette, on the other hand, achieved a field goal percentage of 53.4% and capitalized on turnovers, scoring 27 points off 17 forced mistakes by the Friars.
Notably, four Friars finished in double figures: Sellers (27), Vaaks (26), Jamier Jones (17), and Duncan Powell (11). Vaaks’ performance marked a career-high, while Sellers’ 27 points represented his best outing at Providence College. Additionally, Erhunmwunse recorded a career-high 15 rebounds, contributing to the Friars’ dominance on the boards with a 42-30 rebounding advantage.
Looking ahead, the Friars are set to host Georgetown University on Saturday afternoon, with tip-off scheduled for 12:30 p.m. The game will be broadcast on TNT and truTV, providing an opportunity for Providence to rebound from this narrow defeat.
