PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — Dylan Darling scored 23 points to lead Saint John’s to a 79-69 victory over Providence in a Big East Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Dunkin’ Center. The Red Storm avenged a home loss to the Friars from Jan. 3.

Saint John’s built a 34-29 halftime lead and maintained control throughout the second half before a crowd of 11,714. The Red Storm’s transition game was decisive, generating 18 fastbreak points to Providence’s seven. Saint John’s also capitalized on mistakes, scoring 14 points off turnovers while limiting the Friars to just two.

Darling added eight rebounds in 27 minutes for Saint John’s, which improved to 20-5. Zuby Ejiofor contributed 14 points. Providence was led by Stefan Vaaks with 20 points. The Friars fell to 11-15.