By: Nikhil Jelaji ~Staff Writer~

The Xavier women’s basketball team defeated Big East opponent Providence 75-52 Saturday afternoon at Cintas Center. Senior guards Ashley Wanniger and Shatyra Hawkes led the way and combined for 31 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.

With the victory over the Friars, the Musketeers improved to 8-10 overall and 3-3 in the Big East. Providence fell to 6-11 overall and 1-5 in the conference after the loss. Tied for second entering the contest in 3-point field goals per game (7.4), Xavier went 8-20 from behind the three-point line. Hawkes shot 60 percent from the field and 2-3 from behind the arc. She finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists to finish the contest. Wanniger went 5-12 from the field and 3-8 from behind the 3-point line and totaled 15 points.

Providence started the game with a 13-5 run and led the Musketeers early. Xavier answered by executing a 27-11 run to end the first half to take a 32-24 lead into halftime. The Musketeers outscored Providence in the second half, 43-28, which ultimately led to their victory over the Friars.

The Xavier women’s basketball team finished the afternoon shooting 27-50 from the field, while Providence went just 18-59. Xavier also forced 19 turnovers, which turned into 24 points in favor of the Musketeers.

The Xavier women’s basketball team lost to Seton Hall 72-62 last night at Cintas Center in its final Big East game in the month of January.