Providence cruises to 87-63 win over Central Connecticut

Maliek White had 18 points, Alpha Diallo and Nate Watson each had 14 and Isaiah Jackson had 16 points in the Providence Friars’ victory over the Central Connecticut Blue Devils. The Friars cruised to an 87-63 win in which they only trailed for 64 seconds of the 40 minutes played at The Dunk on Sunday afternoon.

Providence’s eighth win of the season was commandeered by the play of White, Diallo, Watson and Jackson. The quartet shot a proficient 21-for-36 from the field, helping lead the Friars to a 50.8 percent mark from the floor on the whole.

Providence also shot 47.8 percent from the 3-point line, one of their highest totals on the season. White and Diallo shot 50 percent on their eight combined attempts, while Jackson was 3-for-6 from beyond the arc. Makai Ashton-Langford was a perfect 2-for-2, and David Duke and Jimmy Nichols Jr. each had a made bucket from deep.

Central Connecticut’s Jamir Coleman led both sides with 21 points and his teammate Tyler Kohl had 18.

This was Providence’s first game without the services of freshman A.J. Reeves. Reeves of course will be sidelined for the next couple of weeks with a foot injury. Needless to say, they passed this exam with flying colors.

Granted, Donyell Marshall’s Blue Devils aren’t the best competition, although they’ll probably be solid in the NEC this year. And they will be facing the lowly Albany Great Danes come Tuesday. But we’ll know a lot more about PC and their play without Reeves when they take on the Texas Longhorns later this week in Austin.

For now, Providence fans can enjoy this one heartily.