CINCINNATI (AP) — Providence knows the Big East season is a long one, so the Friars are enjoying their best start in 20 years while they can.



Weyinmi Efejuku led a balanced Providence scoring attack with 18 points as the Friars pulled to 3-0 in conference play by holding off Cincinnati for an 87-79 win Wednesday night.



Sharaud Curry added 15 points and Jonathan Kale chipped in with 10 as Providence extended its winning streak to four. The 11-4 Friars have won seven of their last eight games and are 3-0 in the Big East for the first time since the 1988-1989 season.



"It feels better than being 0-3, but it's such a long season that you don't get a whole lot of time to enjoy it," said first-year coach Keno Davis.



Curry said it's a high point for seniors who have never experienced such a strong start.



"To be 3-0 is huge," he said. "Maybe people will start looking at us as being able to have an impact this year.