Providence – January 15,2024 – Providence College started by winning the opening tip and quickly establishing dominance. Olivia Olsen’s layup gave Providence an early 2-0 lead. Moments later, a three-pointer at the buzzer by Brynn Farrell extended their advantage to 8-0 with an and-one play at the five-minute mark. Xavier’s Irune Orio responded with a jumper, but Providence maintained control as Martha Morales drove coast-to-coast to make it 10-2. Farrell’s free throws kept the Friars ahead, 12-4, before Xavier closed the first quarter within striking distance, trailing 14-6. Farrell shone in the opening frame, contributing 10 points and four rebounds.
The second quarter saw both teams struggling with turnovers, with Providence committing multiple miscues. Xavier’s Aizhanique Mayo hit a jumper to cut the lead to 14-8, but Olivia Olsen’s consistent scoring and rebounding helped the Friars maintain an edge. Olsen’s layup extended the lead to 17-8 midway through the quarter. With a late Xavier push the Musketeers ended the half up 26-24, with Farrell tallying 12 points and Olivia Olson adding solid contributions.
Xavier started the quarter with a turnaround jumper from Loren Christie. However, Olsen responded for Providence, tying the game at 28-28 before helping her team regain the lead with back-to-back buckets. Providence ended the quarter up 37-33, with Olsen’s relentless play on both ends of the floor. Xavier began the fourth quarter with a step-back three, cutting the lead to one. Mackayla Scarlett responded with a clutch triple for Providence, pushing their lead back to four 40-36. Both teams battled turnovers and foul trouble late in the game. Olivia Olsen’s layup and Grace Efosa’s free throws extended Providence’s lead to 45-36 with just over six minutes remaining. Xavier made a late push, with Aizhanique Mayo hitting crucial three-pointers to bring them within four, 49-45. However, Providence sealed the game at the free-throw line. Olsen finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and two steals, earning her 21st double-double of her career. “I just want to stay confident and help my team play our game,” Olsen said postgame as Providence looks ahead to more conference play.
