Providences surges past Xavier in 2nd half

Xavier men's basketball head coach Chris Mack discussed with the media the Musketeers' 75-63 loss at Providence.The Enquirer/Patrick Brennan

PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Reality eventually caught up with Xavier men's basketball with about four minutes to go in the first half against Providence College.

Despite being ravaged by personnel losses including the first-career missed game of leading scorer Trevon Bluiett's career due to a sprained ankle, Xavier controlled play for most of the opening period ran out to a 10-point lead at the Dunkin Donuts Center Wednesday night.

The Musketeers (18-8, 8-5 Big East) faltered as halftime neared, though, and later lost going away to the Friars (16-11, 6-8),…