MADISON, Wi. (AP) — Nate Watson worked inside for 24 points and Providence held off a late rally to beat Wisconsin, 63-58 for the Friars’ third win of the season and first win on the road Monday night.
The game was part of the 2021 Gavitt Games, a Big East-versus-Big 10 tournament named for Dave Gavitt, the founder of the Big East Conference and former head coach at Providence.
The Friars built a 34-23 advantage at the break and held a 13-point lead after Noah Horchler scored at the basket to make it 55-42 with 6:13 to play.
The Badgers responded with an 8-0 run, but Al Durham hit a 3 with 1:45 to play to push the Friars’ lead back to eight points, 58-50. Brad Davison got Wisconsin within four with a layup with 17 seconds remaining, but Al Durham and Alyn Breed each hit two free throws to preserve the win.
Durham finished with 13 points and Jared Bynum offset his 1-for-10 shooting night by grabbing nine rebounds and dishing seven assists for Providence (3-0).
Davison scored 25 points to lead Wisconsin (2-1). Tyler Wahl added 16 points.
