PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — In a defensive struggle defined by missed shots and turnovers, the Providence Friars held off a late surge from the Northeastern Huskies to secure a 50-45 victory in a non-conference women’s basketball game Tuesday afternoon at a sparsely attended Dunkin’ Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 1,108, was a battle of attrition from the opening tip. Both teams combined to shoot under 37 percent from the floor and committed 30 total turnovers, with offensive execution at a premium throughout the contest.

Providence, which improved to 3-1, was carried by a dominant performance from Sabou Gueye. The sophomore guard from Dakar, Senegal, played 34 minutes and poured in 21 points, adding six rebounds, a block and three steals. Her ability to drive and finish at the rim provided the Friars with their most consistent offensive weapon on a afternoon where easy baskets were scarce.

The Friars never trailed after the first quarter, building a 23-14 halftime lead as the Huskies’ offense sputtered. Northeastern managed just 14 points in the entire first half, shooting a frigid 19 percent from the field over the first two quarters.

Providence extended its lead to 35-23 late in the third quarter, but the Huskies finally found an offensive rhythm. A 16-6 run, fueled by Yirsy Quéliz and Taylor Holohan, brought Northeastern to within two points at 45-43 with just over five minutes remaining in the game. Quéliz, a guard from the Dominican Republic, finished with 11 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Holohan, from Averill Park, New York, orchestrated the comeback attempt, dishing out four assists to go with four points and four rebounds.

However, the Huskies could not complete the comeback. Gueye answered with a crucial layup to push the Providence lead back to four, and the Friars made just enough free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Providence went 8 for 12 from the line, while Northeastern was just 4 for 8.

The Huskies’ offensive woes were encapsulated by their efficiency metrics. They scored 45 points on 67 possessions, resulting in an offensive rating of 67.4. Providence, while far from sharp, was more effective with an offensive rating of 82.4, scoring its 50 points on 61 possessions.

Beyond Gueye, Providence received contributions from Payton Dunbar, who had eight points and five rebounds, and Teneisia Brown, who controlled the glass with nine rebounds. Orlagh Gormley added seven points, three assists and two blocks.

For Northeastern, Morgan Matthews scored eight points and Alyssa Staten added six points and six rebounds. The Huskies’ season record falls to 1-4.

Despite the loss, Northeastern’s defense kept them in the game, forcing 14 Providence turnovers and holding the Friars to 4-of-20 shooting from beyond the arc. The Huskies also struggled from deep, making only 3 of 19 attempts from three-point range.

The game was a significant departure from the pre-game statistical projections, which heavily favored the Friars. Northeastern’s gritty performance, particularly in the second half, made it a contest until the final possessions.

Northeastern will look to rebound at home against Sacred Heart on Saturday. Providence continues its homestand Friday against Yale.