Providence Squeezes Past West Virginia

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Dickey Simpkins made two free throws with 50 seconds remaining and Tony Turner scored 17 points to lead Providence to a 68-67 victory over West Virginia in an NIT second-round game Sunday.

With five seconds left, West Virginia (17-12) had a chance to win it, but Phil Wilson missed a shot underneath and the rebound was grabbed by Providence.

The Friars (19-11) led by as much as 10 points during the second half, but the Mountaineers chipped away at the lead by forcing Providence turnovers and by scoring baskets off of offensive rebounds.

Smith finished with 15 points and Franklin Western had 10 for Providence.