Providence- December 7th, 2024, In an electrifying matchup, Providence College pulled off a hard-fought 87-81 overtime victory against Brown University in a game filled with thrilling plays and gritty defense. The game opened with Providence’s Olivia Olsen setting the tone with a bucket, but Brown’s Gianna Aiello quickly answered with back-to-back scores, giving Brown an early 4-2 lead. Olsen tied it at four with a baseline jumper, but Brown’s Isabella Mauricio nailed a three-pointer to reclaim the lead at 7-4. Providence turnovers proved costly early, as Olivia Young and Grace Arnolie capitalized, pushing Brown ahead 12-4.
Providence struggled with turnovers throughout the first quarter, allowing Brown to extend their lead to 14-4. Brynn Farrell’s late bucket for Providence narrowed the gap, but Brown’s Gia Powell hit a buzzer-beating three, closing the quarter with Brown up 17-8. The second quarter saw a more focused Providence team. Brynn Farrell and Grace Efosa began chipping away at Brown’s lead with key buckets. However, Brown’s Gianna Aiello and Alyssa Moreland kept the Bears ahead, pushing their lead to 23-10. Farrell’s footwork and Efosa’s jumpers sparked a late run, bringing Friars within four at 23-19. The Bears and Friars, 28-28 tie at halftime despite Providence shooting a strong 48% from the field compared to Brown’s 29.7%.
In the third quarter, Brown’s offense clicked as they built a 10-point lead at 49-39, with it being a team effort leading the charge. Providence responded, fueled by Grace Efosa and Brynn Farrell and a timely Mackayla Scarlett three-point shot. The Friars cut the deficit to four, ending the quarter trailing 53-49. The fourth quarter was a nail-biter. Providence’s Martha Morales and Grace Efosa hit big shots, but Brown’s Gia Powell knocks down another three to tie the game at 63-63. Both teams traded turnovers and key baskets, but a timely three-pointer by Brown’s Gia Powell gave them a slight edge. Farrell’s late-game heroics, including a pivotal three-pointer, pushed Providence to a 70-68 lead. With seconds left, Brown tied the game at 72-72, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, both teams battled fiercely. Powell’s three-pointer gave Brown a narrow lead, but Grace Efosa and Byrnn Farrell’s clutch plays turned the tide. Grace Efosa sealed the game with late free throws, and Providence celebrated a thrilling 87-81 victory. Grace Efosa and Brynn Farrell led Providence with stellar performances. Gracer finished with 27pts and 6 rebounds and Brynn Farrell with 27pts and 5ast. Browns Gia Powell finished the game with 20pts, Isabella Maurico with 12pts and Grace Arnolie with 12 pts and 8ast.
