Providence Turns Back Utah State, 68–62, to Reach NIT Final
Friars Hold Off Second‑Half Rally; Wilkens and Egan Lead Balanced Attack
NEW YORK, March 17 — Providence College earned a place in the National Invitation Tournament championship game Thursday night with a 68–62 victory over Utah State, surviving a determined second‑half comeback by the Aggies before 16,000 at Madison Square Garden.
The Friars, who will meet top‑seeded Bradley in Saturday night’s nationally televised final, built a 36–26 halftime lead on accurate outside shooting and steady guard play. Utah State, cold from the field in the opening period, rallied sharply after intermission but could not overcome Providence’s poise in the closing minutes.
Utah State will face St. Bonaventure in Saturday afternoon’s consolation game.
Friars Control First Half
Providence took command late in the first half as Tim Moynahan and Dick Whelan connected from long range, while guards Lenny Wilkens and John Egan repeatedly penetrated the Aggie defense for driving baskets. The Friars’ 10‑point halftime margin reflected their efficiency: they hit consistently from the outside while Utah State struggled to convert open looks.
The Aggies had led briefly midway through the half behind the scoring of Cornell Green, but Providence’s late surge gave the Friars control at the break.
Aggies Rally Strongly After Intermission
Utah State opened the second half with renewed energy. Jerry Schofield found his shooting touch, and the Aggies erased the deficit, tying the game at 41–41 with just under 12 minutes remaining. For several possessions the contest became a back‑and‑forth struggle, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops.
But Utah State’s momentum faded as missed shots and hurried passes halted the rally. Providence, leaning on its size advantage with 6‑10 center Jim Hadnot, regained control of the boards and re‑established a small but steady lead.
Providence Holds Firm in Final Minutes
Wilkens, who led the Friars with 18 points, and Egan, who added 16, guided Providence through the final stretch. Their ball‑handling under pressure prevented Utah State from forcing turnovers, and the Friars capitalized on Aggie mistakes to maintain their advantage.
Utah State won the rebounding battle 58–43, but the edge was offset by missed opportunities in transition and difficulties converting inside shots. Green and Schofield each scored 19 points, while Tyler Wilbon added 10. Normally reliable guard Max Perry, however, struggled to find his range and finished with only eight.
Friars Advance to Championship
Providence’s disciplined play and timely scoring earned the Friars their place in the NIT final, where they will face a Bradley team that earlier defeated St. Bonaventure. Utah State, which had impressed Garden crowds with its speed and resilience throughout the tournament, will attempt to close its season on a high note in Saturday’s consolation game.
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Courtesy of The Deseret News March 18, 1960 via Newspapers.com
Bradley Tops St. Bonaventure, 82–71, to Reach NIT Final
Walker Scores 27 Despite Illness; Bonnies’ 18‑Game Streak Ends
NEW YORK, March 17 — Bradley, the tournament’s top seed, advanced to the National Invitation Tournament championship game Thursday night with an 82–71 victory over St. Bonaventure, ending the Bonnies’ 18‑game winning streak before a large and lively Madison Square Garden crowd.
The Braves were led by sophomore forward Chet Walker, who delivered a remarkable 27‑point performance in only 23 minutes, despite battling nausea after drinking a glass of orange juice earlier in the day that prompted a police inquiry. Tests later revealed nothing unusual, but Walker was shuttled in and out of the lineup for examination throughout the game.
Walker and Herndon Lead Bradley Attack
Walker scored 18 points in the first half, even though he spent seven minutes off the floor, helping Bradley to a 42–37 halftime lead. He returned twice in the second half, adding nine more points, including five during a crucial stretch when St. Bonaventure closed to within six at 69–63 with four minutes remaining.
With Walker’s minutes limited, sophomore Mack Herndon stepped forward, scoring 22 points, 16 of them after intermission. Bradley’s offense repeatedly found ways to work the ball inside, with Mike Owens and Dan Smith setting up Walker and Herndon for high‑percentage shots.
Stith Brothers Keep Bonnies Close
St. Bonaventure stayed within reach for much of the night behind the scoring of its star duo:
- Tom Stith — 34 points
- Sam Stith — 20 points
The Bonnies twice cut the margin to two points in the second half—at 55–53 with 12:16 remaining and again at 61–59 on a jumper by Orrie Jirele with 9:36 left. But each time Bradley responded, first with Walker’s return and later with an 8–0 run sparked by Herndon.
Bradley Handles Bonnies’ Pressure
St. Bonaventure’s aggressive, turnover‑forcing defense—often described as “nervous” by opposing coaches—had fueled its run through the tournament. But Bradley handled the pressure with poise, avoiding the long scoring droughts that had doomed other opponents.
The Braves’ ability to pass out of traps and find cutters near the basket proved decisive, particularly during the second‑half surge that put the game out of reach.
Looking Ahead
Bradley, now 25–2, moves on to face Providence in Saturday night’s championship game. St. Bonaventure, which entered the semifinals as one of the tournament’s hottest teams, will meet Utah State in the afternoon consolation game.
Courtesy of The State Journal-Register March 18, 1960 via Newspapers.com
