KINGSTON, R.I. (AP) — Kadeem Batts broke a 49-49 tie with a free throw with 22.1 seconds left and Providence held on for a 50-49 victory over intra-state rival Rhode Island Thursday night.
After Batts hit only 1 of 2 free throws, the Rams (6-4) set up for a last shot, but freshman E.C. Matthews shot an air ball on a fade-away jumper as time expired.
Bryce Cotton of the Friars (8-2) led all scorers with 15 points, but it was two offensive rebounds and scores by Tyler Harris that wound up as the difference.
Gilvydas Biruta led URI with 13 points and seven rebounds.
The heated affair boiled over late in the game when Providence coach Ed Cooley and counterpart Dan Hurley were both out on the floor screaming at each other as they were being restrained. Both received technical fouls and, after a timeout, they met at midcourt and shook hands.
