Feb. 14, 1998

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Despite missing 12 of 16 field-goal attempts, JamelThomas scored a game-high 20 points and made key free throws down the stretchto lead Providence past Villanova 58-52 Saturday.

Villanova (10-13, 7-7 Big East) was lead by Howard Brown, who had 15 points.

After Erron Maxey made a 13-foot jumper at 13:44 to give the Friars (10-13,5-9) their biggest lead, 39-24, the Friars hit just one field goal the rest ofthe game.

Providence shot only 32 percent, but sank 17 of 24 free throws.

The Wildcats outscored the Friars 24-7 in a 10-minute span late in thesecond half. The drive was led by John Celestand, who had eight points duringthe streak, including a driving layup at 3:52 to give the Wildcats a 48-46lead.

But Thomas sank 9 of 10 free throws in the final minutes as the Friarspulled away.

Brian Lynch's tip-in with 19 seconds left cut Providence's lead to just 3points, at 55-52, but the Friars held on.

In the first half the Friars trailed early, then went on a 24-9 run to takea 27-18 halftime lead.

The Friars held the Wildcats, whose 3-point average has been 40 percent, tojust four of 19 3-pointers.