Providence 69, Hofstra 56

November 22, 2003

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Ryan Gomes scored 17 points and grabbed

14 rebounds to lead Providence to a 69-56 win over Hofstra in its

season opener on Saturday night.

The Friars broke the game open by connecting on six 3-pointers

during a 5 1/2 minute stretch at the start of the second half.

After the Friars missed their first three shots to open the

second half, Sheiku Kabba started the 3-point shooting barrage by

connecting from the left corner to make it 30-24 with 18:47 to go.

After Kenny Adeleke had a basket for Hofstra, Gomes, Donnie

McGrath and Kabba hit 3-pointers before McGrath hit the final two

32 seconds apart to make it 45-24 with 14:36 left.

The Pride never closed the gap below 13 points the rest of the

way.

Kabba finished with 19 points, 12 coming on 3-pointers. McGrath

was 4-of-8 on 3-point attempts and had 14 points.

Adeleke paced Pride (1-2) with 14 points, and Gibran Washington

had 12.

The Friars led 27-22 at the half despite missing 11 of their

first 12 shots.