Princeton's basketball team moved into the finals of the NCAA eastern regional tournament last night by ripping apart North Carolina State, 66 to 48.
All-American Bill Bradley led the Princeton romp with 27 points. The Tigers were never in trouble against the Atlantic Coast Conference champs; they grabbed a 27-16 halftime lead and coasted the rest of the way.
Tonight Princeton will meet Providence, which beat St. Joseph's, 81 to 73 in the semifinals at College Park, Md. The Friars, trailing 59-53 with five minutes to play, tied the score at 61-all at the end of regulation play, then bombed St. Joseph's in the overtime period.
Unless Bradley can work a miracle, this should be the end of the line for Princeton. Providence, the country's fourth-ranked team, has lost only once this year. Their defensive play has been brilliant all season, and unless Bradley can shake loose for about 40 points, Providence will be making the trip to Portland, Ore. for the national championship next week.
