The Rutgers Scarlet Knights needed a win to build up some momentum heading into February. After beating Cincinnati over the weekend, the Knights failed to make it two in a row against the Providence Friars as they lost 78-67 in Big East play Wednesday night.
The Friars dominated the first half of the game, outscoring the Knights 40-26. A full court press put the Scarlet Knights within four points with fewer than three minutes to play, but the big second half just wasn't enough to overcome a slow start.
Miles Mack led Rutgers with 16 points off the bench. He added two rebounds and three assists. Mack was one of three Rutgers players in double digits for the evening. Mike Poole and Gilvydas Biruta each had 13 points. Biruta led the team with 11 rebounds.
The Friars had five players in double figures, led by 18 points from Bilal Dixon.
The loss drops the Scarlet Knights to 4-5 in the Big East and 12-10 overall. They have a tough matchup on Saturday with a visit to Louisville.
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