By MIKE HUTSELL
Host Austin outscored Providence 13-7 over the final eight minutes of the game on Friday as it posted a 38-32 victory of the Pioneers at Rigel Gymnasium.
Providence fell into a 13-4 deficit after eight minutes but managed to tie the game at 25-25 entering the final period. Austin though went on to score 10 of its 13 points in the final period at the foul line as it handed the Pioneers their first loss of the season.
“Austin just did a very good job of being aggressive going to the basket in the fourth quarter,” said Providence coach Lou Lefevre. “We’re struggling right now as a team and we may do so for the next month. It will be interesting to see the character of the group during that time and how they respond.”
Nick Koetter paced Providence (1-1) with nine points. Providence host Madison tonight at the Larkin Center.
Girls’ basketball
• Pioneers dropped by Presentation: Visiting Presentation held Providence to four points in the first quarter and led 36-16 at halftime as it beat the Pioneers on Friday at the Larkin Center, 65-48.
Megan Eve connected on four 3-pointers and scored 20 points in the loss for Providence (0-6).
It was another situation where we got off to slow start and we were forced to play from behind from the beginning,” said Providence coach Brad Burden. “There were several times during the course of the second half where we played we — I really do see stretches with this team where we play very well — but we must do a better job of getting our offensive game going at the start.”
Mariah White had eight in the loss for the Pioneers. Providence will host Silver Creek on Wednesday.
