PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) _ Erron Maxey scored a game-high 16 points, grabbed seven rebounds and made four steals Saturday to lead Providence past Holy Cross 63-57 in the season-opener for both teams.

Josh Sankes led Holy Cross with 15 points and a game-high 11 rebounds. Teammate Brian Wilson added 10 points, including eight in the second half.

Chris Anrin scored nine first-half points to lead Providence to a 35-30 lead at intermission. But Providence got some bad news early when starting guard John Lynehan, who missed most of last season with an injury, left the game 7:47 before the break with a hamstring injury and did not return.

Holy Cross went ahead 40-39 on a basket by Sankes with 14:17 remaining, but Providence answered with an 11-2 run _ including six points by Maxey _ to take the lead for good.

Holy Cross closed within 51-49 with 5:04 left on Wilson's 3-pointer, but got no closer.

Providence extended the lead to 60-52 and closed out the game by hitting five of six free throws.

Both teams hit 19 field goals, but Providence hit 20 of 29 free throws while the Crusaders hit just 15 of 22.