Miami 81, Providence 65

PROVIDENCE, R.I., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- John Linehan got his record but Darius Rice and

Miami went home happy.

Rice poured in 30 points for No. 18 Miami ended a two-game skid with an 81-65 Big East Conference victory over Linehan and Providence Tuesday night.

Linehan had five steals to become the NCAA's all-time steals leader at 378. He surpassed former Friar Eric Murdock's mark of 376.

Miami (22-6, 9-6 Big East East) received 11 points from Elton Tyler for a 45-27 halftime cushion. The Hurricanes were never threatened in the second half as they moved one-half ahead of St. John's for second place in the East.

James Jones netted 15 points for Miami, which evened its Big East road record at 4-4.

Providence (15-14, 6-9) was eliminated from contention for second place.