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Providence basketball sneaks by MSU-Northern in doubleheader

Posted at 10:56 PM, Jan 24, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-25 13:50:23-05

GREAT FALLS – The ranked University of Providence basketball teams hosted MSU-Northern at the McLaughlin Center on Thursdy night.

For the women’s matchup, the 20th-ranked Argos got out to a huge lead in the first half, but the Skylights battled back in the second half and forced overtime tied at 56. But Providence, who had lost its past three games, held on in the extra period and survived with a 63-58 win.

Providence was led by sophomores Emilee Maldonado and Parker Esary, who added 16 points each, and Esary had a stunning 18 rebounds. Northern was led by Hailey Nicholson and Peyton Kehr with 15 points each. Providence is now 14-7 on the year and MSU-Northern drops to 9-12.

For the men’s game, it was Steve Keller’s first game back coaching No. 22 Providence since his heart attack. It was a back-and-forth affair the entire way, but the Argos would hold on in a narrow 79-78 victory.

Jalen Shephard led the Argos with 21 points and 10 rebounds, Austin Starr picked up 18 points and Brandon Cotton had 15 points. The Lights were led by Kavon Bey with 16 points, and both Caulin Bakalarski and Adam Huse had 14 points.

The win brings Providence to 14-6 on the year, while MSU-Northern falls to 12-9. The Providence basketball teams will head on the road next against Montana Tech on Friday. Northern will play at Tech on Saturday.