Tigers, Bradley Rout Providence In 109-69 Upset

In one of the most amazing collegiate basketball games of the year, Princeton won the NCAA Eastern championship by defeating Providence, 109-69 Saturday night.

The Friars, fourth-ranked team in the nation, probably thought they had clinched a trip to the national championships in Portland, Ore., when they toppled St. Joseph's Friday night. But Providence never had a chance against the Tigers. All-American Bill Bradley scored 41 points, and Princeton led all the way.

Bradley sank 14 of 20 field goal attempts, and 13 of 13 foul shots, but the entire Tiger quintet was brilliant. In the first half Princeton hit 65 per cent of its shots from the floor and rolled up a 47-34 lead. Providence, one of the nation's best defensive teams, was completely helpless against the Tigers' shooting and Bradley's great playmaking.

All season long Providence had been making spectacular second-half comebacks, but once Princeton, had built up its lead to 20 points, the Friars totally collapsed.

In other NCAA regional playoffs, Michigan edged Vanderbilt, 87-35; Wichita downed Oklahoma State, 54-46; and UCLA toppled San Francisco, 101-93. Princeton will play Michigan, and UCLA will meet Wichita Friday in the tournament semifinals. The winners face each other Saturday for the national championship.