COL BKB: Syracuse 72, Providence 66

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PROVIDENCE, R.I., Jan. 9 (UPI) -- A 23-point, 11-rebound effort from C.J. Fair allowed No. 7 Syracuse to fight off an upset bid Wednesday and battle past Providence 72-66.

Providence led by as many as nine points late in the first half and Syracuse did not take the lead for good until midway through the second period.

Fair made 7-of-13 from the field and 9-of-10 from the line. Syracuse shot just 41 percent as a team and connected on a mere 3-of-21 from 3-point range.

Michael Carter-Williams added 17 points, six assists and six rebounds for the Orange (15-1, 3-0 Big East Conference.). Syracuse has won five in a row.

Bryce Cotton led Providence with 22 points, 17 of which came in the opening half. The Friars dropped their fifth in a row, falling to 8-7 and 0-3 in league play.