Xavier started the game by feeding the post relentlessly, and it paid off as they got out to an early 6-5 lead with just over four minutes gone in the game.
However, an 8-0 run by Providence gave them an 11-6 lead before a Ryan Welage three cut it to 11-9. Providence immediately answered with a three of their own, and led 14-9 with 11:56 left in the first half.
Xavier made it a one-point game when Naji Marshall hit a shot in the lane, and the score was 19-18 Providence with 7:44 to go in the first half.