Providence basketball cruises in season-opener vs. Maine

Jacob Bannarbie led the way with 14 points, Ryan Mela had 13 while Malik Mack and Javon Bardwell each added 12, giving first-year head coach Bryan Hodgson his first win as Providence's bench boss. PC grabbed a 34-26 lead at the break and poured it on in the second half. The Friars shot 45.6 percent from the field, 33.3 percent from behind the arc and 57.9 percent from the foul line. Providence outrebounded the Black Bears 38-17, with 24 coming on the defensive glass, and recorded 17 steals, forced 22 turnovers and tallied 27 points off turnovers.