Recap: Providence vs. St Johns

Providence, RI (Sports Network) - Bryce Cotton led all scorers with 24 points as the Providence Friars took down the St. John's Red Storm, 62-59, in a Big East Conference duel at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

For the Friars (16-2, 8-8 Big East), Kadeem Batts added 15 points, Vincent Council chipped in with 10 points and Kris Dunn pulled down 12 rebounds.

JaKarr Sampson led the Red Storm with 22 points, while Sir'Dominic Pointer posted a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Phil Greene IV added 10 points.

Both teams struggled from the field in the first half. St. John's shot 38.2 percent from the field and missed all five of their 3-point tries, but still led at the break, 27-26. Providence made just 34.4 percent from the field in the half.

After halftime, the Red Storm continued to have problems making shots, hitting on just 36.4 percent from the field and 1-of-5 from 3-point range. Providence improved to 40.7 shooting from the field, including 5-of-13 from beyond the 3- point arc. Providence jumped ahead early in the half and was able to maintain the lead until eight minute mark, when Pointer hit the team's only 3-point basket to put them ahead, 47-44. The Friars held St. John's to 0-of-8 from the field over the final four minutes to earn the win.

The Friars outrebounded the Red Storm, 47-38. St. John's had the edge on points in the paint, 32-27.