Bryce Cotton’ trey difference as Providence holds off Villanova

Villanova, PA, United States (4E Sports) – Bryce Cotton hit a 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds to push the Providence Friars past the Villanova Wildcats 55-52 Sunday.

He also led Providence in scoring with 18 points.

Villanova started hot, taking an early 10-2 lead after a three pointer by Ryan Arcidiacono.

But Providence shook off a 2-of-11 start with six turnovers and outscored Villanova 27-13 the rest of the first half to take a 29-23 lead.

Villanova regained the lead 32-31 after a James Bell dunk with 17:40 remaining. A Darrun Hilliard lay-up and a Daniel Ochefu free throw pushed the Wildcats’ lead to 35-31 with 15:56 left.

But Vincent Council’s 3-pointer with 8:59 to go pushed Providence ahead, 43-41. A Bryce Cotton lay-up put the Friars up 52-43 with 4:34 to go.

The Wildcats made a 9-0 run to tie the game 52-52 with 43 seconds left before Cotton’s three-pointer doused the rally.

Villanova was led by Darrun Hilliard with 17 points and Mouphtaou Yarou’s 10 points and 10 rebounds.

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