Virginia to Meet Providence for Roman Legends Classic Trophy

November 22, 2021

NEWARK, N.J. – Virginia and Providence each won its semifinal game to advance to the title game of the Roman Legends Classic presented by Old Rapper.

In the day’s first game, Armaan Franklin scored 23 points to lead Virginia past Georgia 65-55.

The game was tight throughout and neither team led by more than four points in the second half until Franklin scored on consecutive possessions to give Virginia a 57-51 lead with 2:34 remaining. The Cavaliers then made 8 of 10 free throws to advance to Tuesday’s championship game.

Georgia took its last lead, 48-47, on a dunk by Tyron McMillan with 7:18 remaining. The Bulldogs managed just seven points the remainder of the game, all by Kario Oquendo.

Kihei Clark scored 12 points for Virginia (3-2) and Jayden Gardner scored added 11.

Braelen Bridges led Georgia (2-3) with 14 points and Jailyn Ingram contributed 10 points and 12 rebounds. Aaron Cook had eight assists. Oquendo finished with nine points.

Both teams shot poorly, particularly from 3-point range. Virginia made 5 of 20 3-pointers and Georgia hit just 3 of 21. Overall, the Cavaliers shot 40% and Georgia 37%.

Virginia committed only four turnovers, compared to 16 for Georgia.

It was Georgia’s second consecutive loss, keeping coach Tom Crean stuck on 399 career wins.

In the nightcap, Nate Watson scored 16 points to lead five in double figures as undefeated Providence never trailed and beat previously unbeaten Northwestern 77-72.

Jared Bynum scored 15 points for the Friars. Brycen Goodine added 12 points and Noah Horchler had 11. They combined for 10 of the Friars’ 14 3-pointers. Al Durham also had 11 points.

Boo Buie scored 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting to lead Northwestern (4-1). Pete Nance added 20 points.

The Friars built a 36-27 halftime lead and opened the second half on a 19-10 run that included a Watson alley-oop dunk to stretch the advantage to 55-37 with 11:22 remaining.

A 7-0 surge helped pull Northwestern to within five points inside the final minute, with Buie’s 3-pointer getting the Wildcats to 75-70 with 12 seconds to play. Horchler then made a pair of free throws to seal it.