Recap: Providence vs. Villanova

Providence, RI (Sports Network) - Bryce Cotton poured in a game-high 24 points, as the Providence Friars rallied for a 69-66 win over the Villanova Wildcats in a Big East Conference matchup at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

Vincent Council added 15 points and Kris Dunn chipped in with 13 points and seven rebounds for the Friars (10-8, 2-4 Big East), who entered the game with losses in six of their previous seven contests.

JayVaughn Pinkston shot 8-of-10 off the bench en route to a team-high 20 points for the Wildcats (11-7, 2-3), who suffered their third straight setback. Darrun Hilliard was next in line with 14 points, followed by Ryan Arcidiacono with 10.

Villanova played strong defensively in the early going, holding Providence to only six field goals in the first half (.200). The Wildcats led by as many as 12 on Daniel Ochefu's jumper at the 5:07 mark of the opening frame, and they took a 31-24 lead into the break.

However, Providence heated up in the second stanza, shooting 13-of-26 from the floor (.500) and 18-of-28 at the foul line. The Friars took the lead for good on a jumper by Council with just under four minutes to play. They pulled away late, making it an eight-point game on Dunn's dunk with 43 seconds remaining.

Villanova committed a season-high 25 turnovers for the game, which led to a key 30-6 advantage for Providence in points off turnovers. The Wildcats also allowed Providence to pull down 19 offensive rebounds.