Miami downs Providence in NIT opener

PROVIDENCE - Jack McClinton made seven 3-pointers and scored 25 points lead Miami to a 78-66 victory over Providence in the first round of the NIT Wednesday.

Dwayne Collins had 12 rebounds and Lance Hurdle added 12 points for the Hurricanes (19-12), who out-rebounded the Friars 44-35.

Read Frank Carpano’s blog about the Friars’ game.

Though Miami never trailed, the game stayed tight in the second half, and both teams had trouble scoring as the game grew increasingly chippy down the stretch.

Brian Asbury’s jumper with 3:22 to go broke a stretch of 6:53 without a field goal by either team.

Providence got within four with just 3:08 to play, but McClinton - who made 7 of his 14 3-point shots - responded with two of them in a row to keep the game out of reach.

Weyinmi Efejuku led Providence with 16 points, and Jonathan Kale added 11 points and nine rebounds for the Friars.