Recap: Providence vs. Rhode Island

Providence, RI (Sports Network) - LaDontae Henton posted a double-double of 21 points and 17 rebounds as the Providence Friars eased by the in-state rival Rhode Island Rams, 72-57, at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Kadeem Batts added 23 points of his own for Providence (7-2). Josh Fortune contributed 17 points and Bryce Cotton had 11 points and seven assists after missing the entire second half of Providence's last game.

Jordan Hare paced Rhode Island (2-7) with 14 points. Mike Powell and Nikola Malesevic added 12 points a piece and Xavier Munford chipped in 10.

Despite shooting 35.7 percent in the first half, Providence held a slim 27-26 lead at the break by outscoring Rhode Island 6-2 from the free throw line.

In the second half Providence heated up to 44.8 percent shooting and hit 18-of-19 free throws to pull away for the win.

Rhode Island shot 38.5 percent in the game and hit just 3-of-18 from beyond the arc. Providence was no better from 3-point range connecting on 2-of-15 attempts. The Friars had a 41-28 edge in rebounds and scored 17 second chance points.