Xavier's Comeback Falls Short Against Providence

The Xavier Musketeers have made a habit of coming from behind in its Big East games this season.  This time the Providence Friars extended a halftime lead and held on for a 64-62 win at the Cintas Center.

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Nate Watson made two key free throws with 1:37 left to put Xavier in a sinkhole that spoiled their attempt to pull of its third Big East comeback win.  The Musketeers erased a 17-point deficit against Georgetown and an 11-point disadvantage against Butler.

Paul Scruggs 3-pointer gave the home fans hope with 53 seconds left and an offensive foul by Makai Ashford-Langford excited the crowd, but Alpha Diallo stole the ball from Naji Marshall with 20 seconds left.  Tyrique Jones stole an inbounds pass but traveled on his way to tie the game.

Diallo missed a one and one but Scruggs couldn't connect on a 3-pointer as time expired.

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"I'm disappointed in our team. We had 18 turnovers.  That's unacceptable," Xavier coach Travis Steele said.  "It wasn't the last four minutes that hurt us it was the other 36."

Providence won for the third straight time in the series, including a 75-72 overtime win in the Big East tournament semi-finals.  It was the first win ever for Providence tis is the only place weve never won. It was a good team win.  We were gritty tonight. They do a great job here.  The way they play in this building.  I have all the respect in the world for these fans here.  They are very passionate here."

Xavier went cold and committed five turnovers,allowing Providence to go on an 11-0 run to take command of the first half.  By the time Tyrique Jones broke the streak with a dunk at the 2:36 mark, Xavier trailed by seven.  The Friars led 33-26 at halftime.

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Quentin Goodin played 24 minutes against Providence.  He had been nursing a sore knee for weeks.

"I don't think he had the explosive first step that he usually has," Cooley said.

Steele didn't use it as an excuse.

"He's fine.  He just has to play better," Steele said.  Goodin had six of the Musketeers 18 turnovers.  "We don't make excuses here."

Isaiah Jackson came off the bench to score a team-high 13 points for Providence (12-7, 2-4).  Nate Watson had 11 points.  Alpha Diallo had 11 points and six rebounds tied with Watson for the team lead.  Diallo led the Big East in rebounding with 8.6 per game coming into the game.

Paul Scruggs led Xavier (11-9, 3-4) with 14 points.  Jones and Zach Hankins scored 12 points apiece.  Kyle Castlin had four points but pulled in a game-high 10 rebounds to establish a career high.