Hayward scores 28 points in comeback win for Marquette over Providence 82-79

Hayward’s 28 lifts Marquette over Providence 82-79

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Lazar Hayward scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead Marquette to an 82-79 comeback win over Providence on Saturday.

Jimmy Butler finished with 19 points and seven rebounds for the Golden Eagles (15-8, 6-5 Big East), who found themselves playing from behind against a team they beat by 30 points at home Jan. 17.

Providence held control for most of the game behind Jamine Peterson’s 28 points. Sharaud Curry added 23 points for the Friars.

But Marquette took control of the game in the second half with solid defense, hitting seven second-half 3-point shots.

Trailing by as much as eight, the Friars (12-11, 4-7) made a late charge, cutting Marquette’s lead to one with less than a minute to play.

But Hayward put the game away, snagging an offensive rebound with 15 seconds left and nailing two free throws to give his team a three-point cushion.