Deadspin: Jacob Bannarbie propels Providence in season-opening rout of Maine
Providence builds its lead
Maine was within 18-15 midway through the first half, but Providence answered with a 13-3 run to create its largest lead before halftime. The Friars went into the break ahead 34-26.
Both teams shot poorly before the interval. Maine made 8 of 25 field-goal attempts, while Providence connected on 13 of 33. Miles Byrd led all scorers at halftime with eight points and added five rebounds.
A decisive second half
Providence opened the second half with 13 unanswered points, capped by a Malik Mack layup that made it 47-26 with 16:18 remaining. Maine did not score after halftime until Killian Gribben hit a 3-pointer with 16:01 left.
The Friars later led 69-41 after Elijah Saunders made a 3-pointer with 8:28 to play. Javon Bardwell’s dunk finished a 10-0 Providence run and pushed the margin to 79-46 with 4:18 remaining. Providence outscored Maine 49-30 in the second half.
Scoring and shooting figures
Bannarbie led Providence with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Ryan Mela scored 13 points and collected six rebounds, while Mack and Bardwell had 12 points apiece; Byrd finished with 10.
Hudson Franz led Maine with 13 points, followed by Ayden Evans with 11 and Gribben with 10. Maine shot 15 of 43 from the field (34.9%) and 8 of 23 from 3-point range (34.8%). Providence made 31 of 68 shots (45.6%) and 10 of 30 3-pointers (33.3%).
Key points
- Jacob Bannarbie led Providence with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
- Providence defeated visiting Maine 83-56 in its season opener.
- The Friars scored the first 13 points of the second half.
- Providence scored 29 points off Maine’s 23 turnovers.