Jan. 15, 2005

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By JIMMY GOLEN
AP Sports Writer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Hakim Warrick had 25 points, 12 rebounds and a key steal with 3.3 seconds left to turn back Providence's last chance and No. 7 Syracuse held on for a 75-71 victory on Saturday.

Josh Pace scored 14 points to help the Orange (17-1, 4-0 Big East) win their 10th consecutive game.

Dwight Brewington had 21 and eight rebounds for Providence, but he went 4-for-14 from 3-point range. Ryan Gomes, who averages 21 points, had just 14 as Providence (9-7, 0-3) lost its third straight since the start of conference play.

Donnie McGrath was 1-for-11 from the field and the Friars shot just 41 percent compared to 58 percent for the Orange.

Syracuse led 54-40 before Providence cut the deficit to 67-66. Pace made it 69-66 with 1:22 left in the game, but Gomes rebounded Brewington's missed 3 and made his second attempt at a putback.

Pace again extended the lead to three points, driving to the basket before pulling up on the side of the lane and hitting a one-hander with 23 seconds left. Brewington missed another 3 and Warrick got the rebound, forcing Providence to foul Gerry McNamara with 9.4 seconds left.

After missing the first free throw, McNamara made the second to make it 72-68. Brewington was fouled on his way to the basket and completed the three-point play to cut the deficit to one point with 4.1 seconds left.

But McNamara made both free throws with 3.3 seconds left to make it 74-71. DeSean White's inbounds pass wasn't close to a Providence player and Warrick picked it out of the air near midcourt.

He was fouled and made the second of two free throws to make it 75-71.

The Friars are 9-37 all-time against Syracuse but won last year's game at home. Providence fell to 0-3 against ranked teams this season.