Ben Bentil helps Providence overcome slow start vs. Bryant (VIDEO)

This wasn't exactly Willis Reed emerging from the Madison Square Garden tunnel in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, but Ben Bentil entering the game with five minutes to go in the first half certainly helped the Friars overcome a slow start, as Providence was able to defeat in-state foe Bryant, 74-67, at home on Saturday afternoon.

Bentil recorded 16 points and eight boards in 25 minutes off the bench, the same numbers he posted against Boston College on Wednesday night before leaving the game with a left ankle injury.

Providence, ranked No. 15 in the latest AP poll, began Saturday's tilt down three starters, as Kris Dunn and Ryan Fazekas were both ruled out with illnesses. Bentil was in uniform, but did not start for the first time all season.

After Bryant built a 28-19 lead 15 minutes in, Providence head coach Ed Cooley needed to make a change, and summoned the 6-foot-9 sophomore from the end of the bench.

Bentil checked in to a loud ovation from the Dunkin' Donuts Center crowd. On his first field goal attempt, he hit a face-up jumper from the left wing, sparking a 9-1 run.

Drew Edwards, who had nine points in eight games this season, scored all 17 of his points in the second half, knocking five 3-pointers against Bryant's 2-3 zone defense. Jalen Lindsey had 15 points, while Rodney Bullock added 13 points and 14 rebounds.

Providence, winners of four straight, have a week off before hosting Rider on Saturday night.