19 December, 2006
by Elliot Smilowitz
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1st |
2nd |
Final |
| Holy Cross (6-4) |
27 |
41 |
68 |
| Providence (8-2) |
38 |
39 |
77 |
| Dunkin’ Donuts Center – Providence, RI |
Boxscore |
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Down big early, the Holy Cross Crusaders rallied within 1 point, before dropping a 77-68 decision to Providence. The Friars started and ended the game strong, despite the Crusaders’ mid-game rally.
Providence jumped out to a 24-9 lead, and extended that lead as large as 18 before Holy Cross rallied late in the half to make it an 11-point game at the break. In the second half, Holy Cross ran off an 11-2 run that brought them within 1 point with 14:50 to go, but Providence responded with a 10-3 run and reasserted themselves, leading by at least 6 the rest of the way.
Weyinmi Efejuku scored 21 for the Friars, and Sharaud Curry added 19. Tim Clifford led the Crusaders with 21 points on 8-of-15 shooting, and Keith Simmons pitched in 20 points and 3 steals. Torey Thomas played all 40 minutes, scoring 13 but shooting just 5-of-15 from the floor.
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| Keys to the Game |
| Key sequence |
The Crusaders came within 46-45 after a Simmons bucket, and Holy Cross looked like they were into the game. Providence responded with a 26-9 run, including Brian McKenzie back-to-back three-pointers.
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| Key sign it was over |
A Curry free throw made it 76-59 with a few minutes to go in the game.
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| Key performance |
Efejuku had a very efficient offensive night, scoring 21 points on just 10 field goal attempts. He added 6 boards and 2 assists.
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| Key statistic |
The Crusaders shot 8-for-25 in the first half, dropping them too far behind to make up the deficit.
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| Notes |
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The Crusaders struggled from the line and the arc, shooting 56.0 percent on free throws and 4-of-12 on threes.
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Contrary to the usual mid-major/power conference paradigm, Providence committed more fouls (20 to 18) and Holy Cross shot more free throws (25 to 19).
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With Pat Doherty and Lawrence Dixon out with injuries, Holy Cross elected to start Kyle Cruze, who scored 5 points in 17 minutes.
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Holy Cross had just 2 bench points, both from Colin Cunningham. Providence had 13 bench points.
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The Crusaders head to the DCU Center in two nights to face George Mason.
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