Dec. 31, 2004
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SAN DIEGO (AP) - Donnie McGrath scored 17 points including three 3-pointers in the first seven minutes of the second half as Providence beat San Diego State 76-67 on Saturday.
McGrath's key baskets pulled the Friars ahead for good, and they retained control by shooting 70.8 percent in the second half. Ryan Gomes added 17 points for Providence (8-4).
McGrath tied the game at 38-38 with almost four minutes gone in the second half as he made a 3-pointer, was fouled and sank the free throw.
Providence, which trailed 31-29 at halftime, led only once at 7-6 before taking the lead for good at 42-40 on Tuukka Kotti's jumper just more than five minutes into the half. The Friars were 17-of-24 in the second half after shooting just 35.5 percent in the first.
Brandon Heath scored a game-high 26 points to lead San Diego State (5-7), which trailed by as much as 10 points in the second half. Marcus Slaughter added 18 points and nine rebounds.
A power outage delayed the start of the game for more than two hours.