Marquette holds off Providence 61-50

MILWAUKEE -- On the NCAA Tournament bubble, Marquette played tough defense against Providence while building a 31-14 halftime lead, then hung on for dear life and a 61-50 win Thursday night at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.
Buzz Williams Golden Eagles held the Friars to just 6 field goals in the first half, but the visitors got to within 3 points, thanks to a 16-0 2nd half run.
Davante Gardner scored 14 points off the bench; Deonte Burton, the freshman from Milwaukee Vincent, sparked the team as a starter; he finished with 9 points ad 6 rebounds.
MU (12-9, 4-4 Big East) has now won 10 straight in the series.