February 1, 2003

PROVIDENCE, R.I - Virginia Tech jumped out to an early lead, but couldn't hold on to it as the Providence Friars roared past the Hokies 89-58 in a BIG EAST game on Saturday night in front of 11,460 fans at the Dunkin' Donuts Center in Providence, R.I.

With the loss, Tech dropped to 8-11 overall and 1-5 in the East Division, losing its third straight. Providence snapped a three-game losing streak and a four-game BIG EAST losing streak, improving to 10-8 overall, 3-4 in the league.

Using a starting lineup of Bryant Matthews, Philip McCandies, Dimari Thompkins, Eric Branham and Shawn Harris, the Hokies jumped out to an 8-1 lead three minutes into the game. But Providence started pressing fullcourt and went on a 19-5 run to take the lead for good. Tech, which trailed by 11 at halftime, never came closer than 11 in the second half.

Providence ended up forcing 18 Tech turnovers and notched 11 steals. The Friars also forced the Hokies to rush shots, and as a result, Tech shot just 33.9 percent from the floor, including an 0-for-10 mark from beyond the 3-point line. This game marked only the third time Tech has failed to make a 3-pointer in a game since the NCAA instituted the 3-point line.

"Their pressure really bothered us," Tech head coach Ricky Stokes said. "We turned the ball over and they forced us to rush shots. Rather than attack the press, we started shooting some 3's and we didn't shoot well."

"We wanted to speed up the game," Providence coach Tim Welsh said. "They have a good rhythm to their offense and we wanted to get them out of that rhythm. I think we did that and that hurt them."

Tech got 18 points each from Matthews and center Terry Taylor. Matthews led the Hokies with nine boards, but Tech got outrebounded 41-37.

Providence placed four scorers in double figures, led by Sheiku Kabba's 20 points. Kabba had five steals as well. Maris Laksa and Marcus Douthit scored 14 each for the Friars.

Tech returns to Cassell Coliseum for its next games. The Hokies take on UConn on Feb. 5th. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m.