GEORGETOWN 63, PROVIDENCE 53: Hollis Thompson and Jason Clark combined for 26 points and the No. 9 Hoyas won their 20th game with stifling defense.

Thompson scored 13 points and added 10 rebounds and Clark had 13 points, six rebounds and four assists as visiting Georgetown won its second straight game and retained a share of fourth place in the Big East.

Georgetown, which beat Providence 49-40 in their first meeting this season, used its matchup zone defense to quiet the Friars’ high-scoring offense that entered the game averaging 70 points.

Providence made only 25.9 percent from the field and 19 percent on 3-pointers as the Hoyas held its 13th opponent to less than 60 points.

Georgetown (20-5, 10-4 Big East) also got 10 points, seven rebounds and five assists from Henry Sims.

Providence (13-15, 2-13 Big East) lost for the fifth straight time. The Friars were led by Vincent Council, who had 13 points and four assists.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Providence had a 12-minute scoreless stretch in the first half. ... Georgetown’s victory enabled them to avoid losing three straight Big East road games for the first time since 2009. ... Georgetown scored 28 of its points in the paint.