GREAT FALLS, Mont. – A strong second half propelled the University of Providence men's basketball team to a 77-57 victory over Carroll Tuesday night to secure the Frontier Conference Championship.

"It was a total team effort on both ends of the floor," head coach Steve Keller said. "I'm so proud of these guys. They played a great game of basketball tonight."

Up 32-25 at the break, junior guard Rashee Stocks scored 13 points in the first seven minutes to help the Argos stretch the lead to 20. The lead jumped as high 27 points in the second half as the Argos cruised the rest of the way to the championship.

"When he plays like that we're going to be tough to beat," Keller said. "He's capable, give him credit. The guys got him the ball, that's the other thing. When guys get going we have to get them the ball and guys did that tonight. We shared the ball well."

Stocks led the way with 20 points for the Argos, 16 of which came in the second half. Zaccheus Darko-Kelly came to play as well, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Cap Uzan finished with 11 points and seven assists, while Jaxen Hashley had 10 points and eight rebounds.

For the Fighting Saints, Jovan Sljivancanin led the way with 13 points and six rebounds. Brendan Temple finished with 11 points and six rebounds. Shamrock Campbell, who had given the Argos problems all season, finished with three points. 

"I've told them if they guard a little bit, we could be pretty darn good," Keller said. "They guarded a lot tonight. They held Jovan and Shamrock to 16 points total and they're averaging 33 together. Marcus had Campbell a lot of the night and he did a great job. Dawson and Davien did a great job on Jovan."

The championship marks the first Frontier Conference Championship for the Argos since 1984. The accomplishment is even more impressive given that the Argos were behind the eight ball coming into the season.

"It's unbelievable what we've accomplished," Keller said. "This is a great league that we play in. For our guys not to start until Decemeber and come together like we did, it's just awesome. I'm so proud of them."

The Argos will celebrate for a day before tuning into the Selection Show to find out who they'll play. The show will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday evening.