Freshman guard Stefan Vaaks scored a team-high 19 points as Providence beat visiting Holy Cross 89-79 in a season-opening battle of New England foes on Monday night.

A native of Estonia, Vaaks hit five field goals, including three from 3-point range, and led five double-figure scorers for Providence, which shot 50% from the field for the game.

Jamier Jones and Jaylin Sellers each scored 10 in the second half as the Friars fended off the visitors' rally from 20 points down with 9:32 left to within six in the final minute.

Holy Cross' Tyler Boston led all scorers with 25 points, including three 3-pointers and 10-of-11 free-throw shooting. Aidan Richard pulled down a game-high 10 rebounds.

Providence led 44-27 at intermission, holding the visitors without a bench point (22-0) or a 3-point

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