Bentil, Providence Snap Villanova’s 22-Game Big East Winning Streak
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ben Bentil scored 10 of his 31 points in overtime, including two clutch free throws with 14.7 seconds left that led No. 16 Providence past No. 4 Villanova 82-76 on Sunday.
Bentil also had 13 rebounds, helping the Friars stop Villanova’s 22-game Big East winning streak. The Wildcats hadn’t lost a league game since falling at Georgetown in January 2015.
The win also snapped Villanova’s nine-game winning streak and 32-game home winning streak.
Kris Dunn, the clubhouse favorite to win his second straight Big East Player of the Year honors, added 13 points and 14 assists for Providence (17-3, 5-2).
Ryan Arcidiacono scored 19 points for the Wildcats (17-3, 7-1). He made a 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining in regulation that forced overtime.
Josh Hart had 18 points for the Wildcats.
The game originally was scheduled for Saturday afternoon but was moved back a day due to Winter Storm Jonas.
Neither team led by more than six points after halftime in a tightly played game.
Providence led 76-72 with 17.2 seconds left in overtime when Bentil finished an alley-oop layup after being set up by Kyron Cartwright.
Arcidiacono converted both free throws after Dunn fouled out on the play to make it 76-74. Bentil then hit both free throws with 14.7 left.
Dunn’s steal and assist on Rodney Bullock’s fastbreak layup with 2:05 remaining tied it at 61. Arcidiacono’s drive 30 seconds later put Villanova up 63-61, but Dunn answered with a 3-pointer on Providence’s ensuing possession to make it 64-63 with 1:11 left.
Cartwright made both shots after being fouled with 16.2 seconds left, giving Providence a 66-63 lead.
Arcidiacono tied it at 66 with a 3-pointer from the right wing with seven seconds left.
The Friars had a chance to win it in regulation, but Dunn’s stepback 3-point attempt at the buzzer clanked off the rim.
TIP-INS
Providence: Dunn went down with 4:13 left in the game, clutching his thigh. He was subbed, but re-entered 27 seconds later. … Dunn tied his career high for assists. … Providence lost to Villanova three times last season, including 63-61 on March 13 in the Big East semifinals. It was their first win over the Wildcats since Feb. 3, 2013.
Villanova: Daniel Ochefu didn’t start due to a violation of team rules but entered 4 minutes, 6 seconds into the contest. Darryl Reynolds made his first start of the season in place of Ochefu. … Due to busing issues, neither Villanova’s cheerleaders nor band made it to the game.
UP NEXT
Providence: Hosts No. 5 Xavier on Tuesday.
Villanova: At St. John’s on Sunday.
