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Xavier Outlasts PC, 59-53

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Providence fell for the third time in four games on Saturday afternoon, as Xavier avenged their January 25 loss to the Friars with a 59-53 victory. Xavier got a pair of critical plays in the final two minutes from sophomore star Semaj Christon, who picked Bryce Cotton’s pocket and dished an assist on the other end with 43 seconds remaining to bump a two point lead to four.

While Christon’s numbers weren’t spectacular (12 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds), the 6’3 guard was as effective in slowing Cotton as any player this season, limiting the 1st Team All Big East guard to nine points and seven assists. It was just the second time this season Cotton has scored less than ten points and his streak of scoring 18 points or more was snapped at 13.

Even on a night in which Cotton wasn’t superman for the Friars, Ed Cooley’s bunch had an opportunity to steal a road win thanks to their defense, Josh Fortune’s best game of the season, and a big lift off of the bench from Carson Desrosiers. Fortune scored 12 of his season high 17 points in the first half, while he complemented his offensive outburst with eight rebounds and three assists. He made 3-7 from three point range and 7-12 overall.

Desrosiers had his own season high, grabbing 11 rebounds and giving the Friars a boost inside on an afternoon in which Kadeem Batts and Tyler Harris struggled.

Key for Xavier was keeping Providence off of the free throw line, where they so often excel. Only two Friars got to the free throw line all afternoon, and PC shot just seven for the game. The final two were a gift from the officials, as LaDontae Henton appeared to commit an offensive foul with 1:22 remaining, but a blocked was called, giving Henton a chance to tie the game. He made one of two to bring PC within one, Christon made 1-2 on the other end, which set up Christon’s key swipe on the ensuing possession that all but sealed it.

Providence had an opportunity late thanks to their defense. After being torched for 53 first half points against St. John’s, Cooley’s group held Xavier without a field goal from the 8:21 mark until there was just over 40 seconds left in the game — the layup following the Christon steal. That was Xavier’s only field goal in the final eight minutes.

The effort was there defensively, but the execution just wasn’t on offense. PC out-rebounded the league’s top rebounding team, 39-32, and held them to just 1-9 from deep, but the Friars scored just 21 second half points.

After starting 5-2 in the Big East, Providence is now 6-5 and heads to Georgetown on Monday desperately needing a win to help their NCAA Tournament resume.

 

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