Musketeers End First Half of BIG EAST Schedule With Loss at Providence

Sunday, January 26

Providence, R.I.

1 P.M.

Xavier University

2-18 (1-8)

Providence

10-11 (1-8)

Xavier

Providence

Musketeers End First Half of BIG EAST Schedule With Loss at Providence

01.26.20 | Women's Basketball

Box Score Box Score (PDF)Season Stats (PDF)

Sophomore Lauren Wasylson scored 10 points on Sunday afternoon

By: Greg Lautzenheiser, Xavier Athletic Communications

PROVIDENCE, R.I. - Xavier women's basketball wrapped up the first half of its BIG EAST schedule on Sunday afternoon, dropping a 60-48 contest at Providence. The Musketeers moved to 2-18 (1-8 BIG EAST), while the Friars improved to 10-11 (1-8 BIG EAST).

FIRST HALF

• Both teams combined to go 3-for-14 from the floor to open the game as the score was tied, 4-4, at the first media timeout (4:39). Xavier closed the frame by scoring five unanswered points capped by an Ayanna Townsend three-point play, taking a 9-4 advantage. The Musketeers held the Friars to a .182 field-goal percentage (2-for-11) in the first quarter.

• Xavier opened the second quarter on an 11-4 run capped by a Deja Ross layup, giving the Musketeers their first double-figure lead of the game, 20-10. Providence scored five unanswered points to close within five, 20-15, at the 3:08 mark. Deja Ross hit a basket in the closing minute to give the Musketeers a 22-15 lead at the break.

• Lauren Wasylson led Xavier with eight points at the half, while A'riana Gray added five. Xavier held a 22-20 advantage on the glass, paced by Sarah Leyendecker who had eight rebounds.

• Xavier forced 14 Providence turnovers, converting the miscues into 10 points.

SECOND HALF

• Providence opened the second half on a 9-3 run, closing within one point, 25-24, to force a Xavier timeout at the 5:57 mark. The Friars extended the run to 14-3, taking a 29-25 advantage at the media timeout (3:29). Providence outscored Xavier, 23-9, behind a .529 field-goal percentage (9-for-17) to take a 38-31 lead at the end of three quarters.

• Xavier closed within five points three times in the final quarter, and as late as the 4:42 mark on an A'riana Gray basket - making the score 43-38. Providence outscored the Musketeers, 17-10, down the stretch to pull away for the win.

NOTABLES

• Junior A'riana Gray scored a team-high 18 points, her 40th career game in double figures. The forward had her four-game streak with a double-double snapped as she finished with eight rebounds.

• Sophomore Lauren Wasylson rounded out the double-figure scorers with 10 points. Classmate Sarah Leyendecker finished the game with eight points.

• Sarah Leyendecker pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds, her second straight game with 10 or more rebounds. The forward added two steals and one block.

• Redshirt-freshman Ayanna Townsend added seven rebounds and four points in 19 minutes off the bench.

• Providence won the battle on the glass, 41-39, and score one more point off of turnovers (14-13).

UP NEXT

• Xavier opens the second half of BIG EAST play at Butler on Friday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m.

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