High-scoring Providence pulls away for blowout of Penn

Corey Flood Jr. scored 20 points and Providence went over 100 points for a second straight game in a convincing 106-81 win over visiting Penn on Tuesday.

The Friars (2-1), who shot 13 of 30 (43.3%) from 3-point range, broke open a game that was relatively close until the final eight minutes.

Providence had six players finish in double figures. Ryan Mela hit 8 of 10 shots from the floor and wound up with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Jason Edwards and Stefan Vaaks each had 14 points, Jaylin Sellers added 12, and Jamier Jones scored 11.

The Friars outrebounded the Quakers 49-30.

Penn senior Michael Zanoni had a career-high 30 points, hitting 5 of 8 from 3-point range. TJ Power and Ethan Roberts added 15 points apiece for the Quakers (1-2).

Penn stayed within striking range in the second half but could never get within single digits. The Quakers had a chance at the 10:53 mark when Power was fouled while shooting a 3-point attempt with the score 66-53. Power missed all three shots to the crowd's delight, and Floyd drained a trey on the next possession.

The rest of the second half was a Friars highlight show. Oswin Erhunmwunse had a monster block on a Penn baseline jumper. Friars freshman Jaylen Harrell scored his first collegiate basket, a 3-pointer, and was fouled, turning it into a four-point play. Providence led by 15 with five minutes left and finished the game on a 22-12 run.

A 3-pointer by Zanoni opened the scoring, but the Quakers then missed seven consecutive shots allowing the Friars to build a 10-3 lead, capped by a put-back by Erhunmwunse. Providence never trailed after the first basket.

The Friars' lead was trimmed to 35-34 after a pair of free throws by Roberts with 4:23 left in the half. Penn stole the ball on Providence's next possession but missed an open look to take the lead.

The rest of the half belong to the Friars. Floyd and Edwards each scored five late points, and Providence led 48-36 at the break.

--Field Level Media