PROVIDENCE – For the second straight game, the trappings of a great basketball day filled the Dunkin’ Donuts Center Saturday afternoon.
A big, sellout crowd packed the building. A national television audience tuned in. A buzz of anticipation bounced around as the Providence Friars and defending national champion Villanova wrapped up their warm-ups.
Then, just moments after tipoff, the opponent punched the home team in the chops and ruined the party.
Last Monday it was Creighton and its 3-point shooting barrage that surprised the Friars and went on to an 11-point win. This time it was the powerful twosome of Phil Booth and Eric Paschall that helped Villanova build a 21-point first half lead and then hold off the expected furious PC rally before escaping with a 65-59 victory.