Providence beats S. Carolina in Tip-Off tourney

Nov 17, 2018, 09:59 pm

UNCASVILLE, Conn. -- David Duke scored 20 points to rally Providence to a 76-65 win over South Carolina and into the finals of the Air Force Reserve Tip-Off tournament on Saturday.

Alpha Diallo added 17 points, nine rebounds and seven assists for the Friars (3-1).

Hassani Gravett scored 14 points to lead four players in double figures for South Carolina (2-2).

The Gamecocks led 35-27 at halftime and by nine points early in the second half. But A.J. Reeves scored eight of his 10 points during a 10-0 Friars' run that put Providence on top 44-43.

The teams went back and forth before three straight dunks gave the Friars a 54-49 lead. Consecutive 3-pointers from Duke and Isaiah Jackson made it 65-54, and brought the raucous pro-Providence crowd to its feet.

Providence will play Michigan on Sunday for the tournament title. South Carolina with face George Washington in the consolation game.