Providence Upsets Crimson Tide, 103-82

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--Guards Billy Donovan and Delray Brooks bombarded ninth-ranked Alabama with five 3-point field goals apiece as Providence rolled to a 103-82 upset in the NCAA Southeast Regional semifinals last night.

Providence, 24-8, will play Georgetown in tomorrow's regional final.

Providence sank 14 of 22 shots from 3-point range, while the Crimson Tide was good on seven of 23.

Donovan, finishing with 26 points, assaulted various Alabama defenses by hitting all five of his 3-point tries in the first half in leading the Big East Conference Friars to a 49-41 lead.

Brooks, who had 23 points, continued the fireworks in the final 20 minutes with four 3-pointers as Providence pulled away to the stunningly easy victory.

Alabama, closing 28-5, lost for the third straight year in the regional semifinals.

Brooks hit a 3-pointer that ignited a 12-2 run that ended on forward Darryl Wright's 3-pointer for a 35-24 advantage for Providence at 6:27.

Guard James Jackson sank a 3-pointer at 3:40 to pull Alabama within 38-34, but Providence scored nine straight points, going up 47-34 on Darryl Wright's 7-foot bank shot at 1:59.

Forward Jim Farmer hit a 3-pointer and two free throws as Alabama trimmed the margin to 49-41 at the half.

Alabama could get no closer than seven points in the second half, the last time at 65-58 on guard Terry Coner's three-point play at 10:37.

Brooks then hit three 3-pointers as Providence bolted out to an 81-60 lead with 6:57 to go.

Farmer topped Alabama with 24 points.