West Virginia beats PC 87-84 in overtime

The two teams exchanged leads throughout the extra period, and Providence's Gerard Coleman made 1 of 2 free throws to tie it at 84-all with 10 seconds left. Bryant then drove down the court and hit the game-winner.

"I just wanted to get the win and get out of here," Bryant said. "That's all I was thinking."

He led the Mountaineers (16-8, 6-5 Big East) with 32 points, Deniz Kilicli added a career-high 22 and Kevin Jones finished with 20.

Providence (13-11, 2-9) got off to a hot start, making 16 of 18 from the field. But West Virginia put together a 12-3 run at the end of the first half to make 42-36 at halftime.

West Virginia trailed 70-63 with 5:29 left in regulation and scored six straight, including four by Bryant.

"What you saw today was a perfect example of one team with seniors who have won going up against a team that is still learning to win," Providence coach Ed Cooley said.

After West Virginia tied it at 72-72, Coleman made a short basket to give the Friars back the lead.

West Virginia then fouled Vincent Council, who made 1 of 2 from the line. Kevin Jones hit a shot for the Mountaineers to make it a one-point game and Coleman made a free throw to tie it.

Bryant then made a driving layup to send it to overtime tied at 76.

Providence started the game 14 for 16 from the free-throw line, but in the final 3 minutes of regulation it shot only 4 of 8.

"We're very honest with our guys about where we are and where we stand," West Virginia coach Bob Huggins said. We needed to win. And we're fortunate they missed some free throws."

Coleman scored 30 points and Council had 16 points and nine assists to lead the Friars, who lost their eighth straight to West Virginia.

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