Council finished with a game-high 26 points, including 19 in the second half and Cotton poured in a career-high 24 points. Coleman chipped in with 17 points off the bench.

In the second half, the Stags (1-1) opened with a 7-4 run to extend their lead to 37-33 behind a three pointer by Ryan Olander. The Friars responded with a 12-0 run led by Council and Cotton, who each scored six to give the Friars (2-0) a 47-37 lead. The Stags answered with a 10-0 run to tie the game, 47-47. The tie was short lived as Council scored six straight points to lead the Friars on another run.

Providence remained strong down the stretch, hitting critical free throws and outscoring Fairfield 51-42 in the second half.