Recap: Providence vs. DePaul

Providence, RI (Sports Network) - Cleveland Melvin scored 23 points to lead the DePaul Blue Demons to an 83-73 road win over the Providence Friars in Big East Conference action at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Melvin also corralled a team-high nine boards, while Jamie Crockett and Brandon Young each scored 15 points. Moses Morgan chipped in 10 points off the bench as DePaul (10-5, 1-1 Big East) snapped a two-game losing skid with the victory.

Bryce Cotton shot just 4-of-13 from the field but went 9-of-11 from the foul line en route to a team-high 20 points for the Friars (8-6, 0-2). Kadeem Batts scored 17 points, while Vincent Council registered 16 points and six assists to go along with eight turnovers. Sidiki Johnson grabbed 13 rebounds in 20 minutes off the bench.

DePaul held Providence without a 3-pointer in the first half and led 37-30 at the break. Melvin paced the Blue Demons with 13 points, while Cotton and Betts each had nine for the Friars.

After a back-and-forth first half, DePaul was able to extend its second half advantage to as many as 22 before settling for the 10-point win.

The Blue Demons were terrific from the stripe, making 82.8 percent of their foul shots, while the Friars were just a 64.7 percent from the line.