Providence trailed by as many as 12 points in the first half, but fought their way back for a 60-51 victory over Memphis in the semifinals of the Emerald Coast Classic.
#7 Virginia awaits PC (4-1) in the finals on Saturday night.
The Friars were once again led by the steady interior play of Rodney Bullock (18 points, 7-13 shooting) and the emerging Emmitt Holt (16 points, 10 rebounds), as they closed the game on a 46-23 run.
Bullock earned praise from Cooley after PC’s win over St. Francis earlier in the week. The junior has given Providence all they could ask for through five games — averaging over 20 points and six rebounds per game while shooting over 52% from the field, 84% at the free throw line, and 41% from 3.