PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Alpha Diallo scored 20 points with nine rebounds and three assists and Providence clamped down on defense in the first half, defeating Fairleigh Dickinson 69-59 Tuesday night.
Isaiah Jackson tossed in 11 points for the Friars (5-2) with five rebounds and four assists, Nate Watson added 10 points with seven boards, a block and a steal.
A pretty lob from Mak Ashton-Langford deep in the wing to Watson at the low post for a dunk highlighted a 12-6 spurt in the first half as Providence broke away. The Friars led 30-19 at the break, holding Fairleigh Dickinson to eight field goals in the first 20 minutes.