UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Stefan Vaaks scored 15 points, Jason Edwards added 14, and Providence dominated the second half to secure a 77–65 victory over Penn State on Saturday at the Basketball Hall of Fame Showcase.
Jaylin Sellers contributed 13 points, while Oswin Ehrunmwunse chipped in 11 as the Friars improved to 4–2 on the season.
Penn State (5–1) suffered its first defeat, despite a 22-point effort from reserve Freddie Dilione V. Melih Tunca was the only starter to reach double figures with 11 points, as the Nittany Lions’ starting lineup struggled from the floor, shooting just 30.5% (11 of 36).
Providence Takes Control
The Friars held a slim 32–31 lead at halftime but opened the second half with a decisive 9–0 run. Vaaks hit a three-pointer, Sellers threw down two dunks, and Edwards added a layup, turning a one-point edge into a 10-point cushion.
Penn State fought back briefly. Josh Reed’s three-pointer with 9:56 remaining cut the deficit to 55–52, and Dilione’s basket at 3:50 brought the Nittany Lions within 64–63. However, Providence answered with a 13–2 run to close the game, hitting 5 of 6 free throws and featuring two quick three-pointers from Vaaks within 23 seconds.
Key Takeaways
The win gives Providence back-to-back victories and three wins in their last four contests.
Penn State, featuring the youngest roster among all Power 4 programs this season, showed resilience but could not overcome the Friars’ second-half surge.
