Friars defeat Rams for 1st Ocean State trophy

SMITHFIELD — Providence College finally has its hands on the Ocean State Tip-Off Tournament trophy.

The Friars were forced to wait until the women’s basketball event’s fourth year, making victory that much sweeter Sunday afternoon at Chace Center. An extra dose of satisfaction came from knocking off the University of Rhode Island in the 50th meeting between the two in-state rivals.

Mary Baskerville dominated down the stretch and Earlette Scott gave Providence a significant lift off the bench as the Friars surged to a 58-51 triumph over the Rams on the Bryant University campus.

Baskerville pumped in 11 of her 15 points over the final 6:47, as the reigning Big East Freshman of the Year took…