February 9, 2002

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Providence held off a second-half Virginia Tech comeback and defeated the Hokies, 77-69, in BIG EAST Conference men's basketball action Saturday night at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Tech falls to 7-16 overall and 1-10 in league play, while the Friars are now 14-11 overall and 5-6 in BIG EAST action.

The Friars jumped out to a 20-3 lead nine minutes into the game, but the Hokies cut the score to 39-28 at the half. PC then upped its lead to 48-34 with 15:11 remaining in the game, before the Hokies went on a 21-4 run to take a 55-52 lead with 7:07 remaining on a jump shot by Brian Chase. The Friars regained the lead for good at the 5:21 mark and held off the Hokies down the stretch for the victory.

Terry Taylor led the Hokies with his fifth double-double of the season, scoring a career-high 21 points and 12 rebounds. Carlton Carter recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points and 14 rebounds. Chase added 12 points in the loss. John Linehan led the Friars with 21 points.

Tech held the Friars to just 38.7% from the field and outrebounded PC, 38-34, but turned the ball over 19 times in the game. Carlos Dixon tied the Hokies with a career-high-tying six assists.

The Hokies return to action on Wednesday night, as they travel to Morgantown to face rival West Virginia. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.