Cotton scores 23 as Providence tops No. 20 Creighton 81-68

Providence guard Bryce Cotton (11) dribbles on his way to making a basket against Creighton during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, in Providence, R.I. Providence defeated Creighton 81-68. (AP Photo/Stew Milne) (The Associated Press)

ad8d7e1e-Creighton Providence Basketball

Providence forward Carson Desrosiers (33) guard Ted Bancroft (22) and guard Bryce Cotton (11) celebrate their lead during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Creighton, Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014, in Providence, R.I. Providence defeated Creighton 81-68.(AP Photo/Stew Milne) (The Associated Press)

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Bryce Cotton scored 23 points and LaDontae Henton added 19 as Providence upset 20th-ranked Creighton 81-68 on Saturday night.

The victory is the third straight Big East victory for the Friars (13-5, 3-2). They defeated a nationally ranked team for the first time since defeating No. 21 Notre Dame on Feb. 16, 2013.

Doug McDermott led the Bluejays (15-3, 5-1) with 21 points and seven rebounds. The only other Creighton player in double figures was Devin Brooks, who had 10 points.

Providence led 37-30 at halftime despite two players picking up three fouls piece in the first half. The Friars then opened the second half on an 18-5 run that put the Bluejays in a 55-35 hole with 13:51 left.

The Friars lead the all-time series 6-4, but this was the first meeting between the new conference rivals since Nov. 25, 2000.