PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — A dominant second-quarter surge propelled the Providence women’s basketball team to a 70-61 victory over Boston College on Saturday afternoon at a sparsely attended Dunkin’ Center.

The Friars, who improved to 2-1, erased an early deficit by outscoring the Eagles 24-11 in the second period, turning a six-point hole after the first quarter into a seven-point halftime lead they would not relinquish. Providence’s offense found its rhythm in the frame, capitalizing on a stretch of sloppy play from Boston College.

Sabou Gueye was the catalyst for the Friars, delivering a commanding double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. She also added three assists and three blocks, anchoring Providence on both ends of the floor. Payton Dunbar provided the primary scoring punch, leading all players with 22 points, including four three-pointers.

Boston College, which fell to 3-2, was led by Lily Carmody’s 18 points. The Eagles started strong, building a 16-10 lead after the first quarter, but their offense stagnated against Providence’s defensive pressure in the second. The Eagles committed 19 turnovers and managed only three assists as a team, struggling to find consistent offensive flow.

Providence’s efficiency proved decisive. The Friars shot 48 percent from the field compared to Boston College’s 38 percent and dominated inside, outscoring the Eagles 34-16 in the paint. Despite committing 21 turnovers of their own, the Friars compensated with eight steals and five blocks.

After Providence extended its lead in the third quarter, Boston College mounted a challenge in the fourth, cutting the deficit to single digits on multiple occasions. A three-pointer from Erin Houpt, who scored 11 points off the bench, brought the Eagles within 64-61 with just over a minute remaining.

The Friars sealed the game at the free-throw line, with Orlagh Gormley making key foul shots in the final seconds. Gormley finished with six points, four rebounds, and five assists. Teneisia Brown also contributed significantly for Providence with 13 points and seven rebounds.

For Boston College, Amirah Anderson grabbed eight rebounds and Kayla Rolph added eight points and six boards.

The announced attendance for the non-conference matchup was 714.