The Providence College used tremendous defense around the three point line- played defense without fouling and held off a tough South Dakota State team 66-57 to win their first round NCAA tournament game.
Providence was down by 4 at one time. Up 8 at halftime and then increased the lead to as many as 16.
South Dakota State was the number two scoring team in the country.
Providence will meet the winner of the Iowa Richmond Game this afternoon.
Coach Ed Cooley said that the players were focused and determined and understood the game plan.
Cooley called South Dakota State a very good basketball state. Cooley conceded that the win means a lot to the progression of the program.
Providence moves their record to 26 and 5.
(Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)