PROVIDENCE -- It truly was a moral victory of the very best -- and rarest -- kind the Providence College Friars so impressively put together last night.

Usually, a moral victory has a bitter taste to it, because the phrase is almost always used to describe a valiant effort in defeat -- a gallant try, in an adverse situation, against high odds, that falls frustratingly short of success.

Not in this case.

Not last night, when the Friars took the high road as an institution and still managed to take the measure of 15th-ranked Marquette in the Big East opener for both clubs.

This was a moral victory with a sweet taste, one to savor and enjoy.

With starting point guard Sharaud Curry sitting out the third of what was finally announced last night as a four-game suspension, the Friars were forced to turn to freshman Dwain Williams, who wasn't even on their recruiting radar screen before last summer, to run their offense.

"This is what I came here for -- opportunity," said Williams, a California kid who bounced around high schools as often as point guards bounce the ball on their way upcourt.

His opportunity came when Curry was suspended for what the PC administration is saying is "a violation of team rules."

They're not saying any more than that. While academic institutions always are eager to tout their academic all-Americans, they become close-mouthed when it comes to academic issues that could be embarrassing to the school, or to the "student-athlete," as the NCAA likes to call the young men who bring in millions of dollars to member institutions on football fields and basketball courts across the land.

To its credit, PC took a firm stand with whatever indiscretion Curry committed and levied a four-game penalty, which included the first two conference games of the season -- both at home.

Two games, against Florida State and Longwood, might have served as sufficient slap on the wrist. That certainly would have suited coach Tim Welsh. But higher powers took a stand -- one that could have resulted in the Friars taking it on the proverbial chin last night.

Instead Williams stepped up, and the Friars were able to walk away, not only with heads held high, but also with a convincing, 74-59 victory that was more than just another "W" -- it also was a moral victory, one that should convince everyone who follows the Friars that the administration, the coaching staff, and the team all are on the right track.

"Obviously, Shauraud's not happy that he's not playing," Williams said in the PC locker room after he scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers that hit nothing but net, and had two steals, two assists, and only two turnovers while playing 38 minutes opposite Marquette point guard Dominic James, who was Rookie of the Year in the Big East last season.

"But he's taking it well. He's a classy guy. He's been very supportive. I talked with Sharaud about what I should do, and he told me to stay positive, stay solid, and lead the team."

Williams felt well prepared for that role after playing against Curry every day in practice.

"He's the best point guard I've ever played against on a daily basis," Williams said. "He's like a little jet."

Williams isn't as quick as Curry, but he can handle the ball and has a fine shooting touch from outside the arc.

He was high school freshman of the year in California, averaging 18.6 points and 4.6 assists a game. That prompted him to go cross-country, to Florida, to attend IMG Academy, where he averaged 28.9 points and was considered the top recruit in the state as a sophomore. Unhappy there, he returned to California and averaged 27.5 points as a junior. He transferred to Vista Murrieta High as a senior, where he averaged 28.6 points and 15.6 assists as a senior in 2005. At that point, his athletic eligibility had expired, but he hadn't amassed enough credits to earn a diploma.

The Friars only went looking for a point guard last year after Brian Rudolph of New Bedford was arrested. Fortunately, PC assistant Steve DeMeo found Williams playing AAU ball and signed him in August.

"I feel good about being here," Williams said. "This is a new start for me."

He looked good in his first Big East start, with the spotlight -- and the pressure -- on him.

"To be honest," he said, "I didn't feel any pressure. I'm playing the game I love."

Williams didn't have to be the star on a night when Herbert Hill was a force at both ends of the court -- scoring inside, rebounding, and blocking shot after shot -- and Geoff McDermott was a MAN, with a capital M, capital A and capital N.

But if the offense had faltered, if the Friars had struggled to get the ball upcourt, and then inside to their big men -- if they'd lost to Marquette -- it would have been easy to point to the absence of their starting point guard as the difference in the game.

Instead, with Williams filling in admirably for Curry, the Friars openned their conference season with not just a victory, but a moral victory.

jdonalds@projo.com / (401) 277-7340