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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island (Ticker) -- Over eight years later, Providence again sent the College of Charleston packing from the National Invitation Tournament.
Rob Sanders scored 20 points and Ryan Gomes added 19 as Providence advanced to the second round of the NIT with a 69-64 victory over the College of Charleston.
Sparked by Sanders and Gomes, who combined to make 18-of-25 shots from the field, the Friars (18-13) kept their season alive and will host Big East Conference rival Georgetown on Monday.
It was the second meeting between the teams in the NIT. In 1995, the Friars also eliminated the Cougars with a 72-67 victory.
Tony Mitchell netted 13 points and Mike Benton 11 for the Cougars (25-8), whose season ended after bright beginning when they won the Great Alaska Shootout. They had impressive wins of Villanova and Oklahoma State in that tournament.
Trailing 35-34 at halftime, the Friars used a 13-6 surge in less than five minutes to start the second half to surge in front for good.
Sheiku Kabba added 10 points for the Friars, who shot 51 percent (27-of-53) and held a 32-25 rebounding edge. The Cougars shot 44 percent (23-of-52) and committed 16 turnovers.
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