The Providence Friars took home the 2K Classic title Friday night in an end-to-end effort. This game was never close, as the Friars would blow out the Saint Louis Billikens by a score of 90-63.

Both teams got off to a relatively sloppy start, combining for nine turnovers and 12 fouls in the first 10 minutes. The Friars took the upper hand early in terms of efficiency however, as SLU shot 30 percent for the first frame. They would go nine minutes without a FG, while Providence rode a 14-3 run.

They’d extend that run to 20-5 thanks to back-to-back threes from Jalen Lindsey and Alpha Diallo. Saint Louis was also forced to the bottom of the shot clock on a majority of their early possessions, with PC’s defense causing lots of problems for the Billikens.

Makai Ashton-Langford looked extremely comfortable all night, but a stretch late in the first half really gave some previews of his potential. He finished the first half with 11 points on 5-5 shooting.

The Billikens came out of the half looking to cut into the 20-point deficit, but Providence’s defense didn’t let up. They continued to look unsettled with the ball, as the Friars wreaked havoc on their offense game plan.

Providence would keep their foot on the gas pedal, and ultimately win by 27.

Game Notes

• This was Providence’s most complete game of the season. Cooley’s group caused the Billikens problems all night, while they looking confident and poised with the ball.

• Friar fans should be extremely excited to have Ashton-Langford and Nate Watson playing for Providence. They’re going to be unbelievable additions to the program, and tonight we were fortunate enough to see flashes of their true potential.

• Providence was 9-10 from three tonight, and shot 61% from the field.

• Jalen Lindsey was 2-2 from three tonight. We also were gifted with this great gif:

• Providence finished with 21 assists compared to SLU’s 9.

• Four Friars were in double figures tonight. (Bullock, MAL, Maliek White, and Alpha Diallo). Bullock led the scoring with 15. The remaining three finished with 11.

• Tom Planek and Andrew Fonts each got on the board tonight for the Friars with 2 points.

Providence returns to the Dunk next Wednesday to face off against Belmont.