The Friars went into Storrs, CT Wednesday night looking to get perhaps the biggest win of the college basketball season. PC would battle all night against UConn in a what could’ve been a fun game had it not been for the complete ref show. The Friars would lead the majority of the first half and be within striking distance the entire second half. After 46 combined fouls and four technical fouls, it would be the Huskies who would defend their home court and get a 74-65 victory. Let’s take a deeper look on a long night of basketball.
Welcome to the Ref Show- Not often do we discuss the officiating as a postgame topic but after a performance like that how could you not? The officials had several key players on both squads get into early foul trouble, doled out Ts like they were candy, and blew a whistle in what felt like every 15 seconds of gameplay. The game had zero flow, took players we want to see on the court off of it, and was painful to watch too.
It’s a shame because it took away from a highly competitive and entertaining, if it weren’t for the zebras, game. It’s rare that you’d see two fan bases that can’t stand each other singing the same tune postgame but thats how bad it was.
Two Areas Killed the Friars Upset Bid- The Friars have had porous starts on the road for the majority of the season. This couldn’t be said Wednesday night, however. They came out playing stellar defense and were able to build a lead largely on getting points at the rim. They bested UConn in terms of taking care of the basketball and walked out of the first half with a +6 margin on the glass. Unfortunately, they’d squander that rebounding edge by being -8 in the second half.
The Friars also went a horrid 13/26 from the free throw line. UConn would go to the line 10 more tries than the Friars but made 13 more attempts. Free throw shooting and the second half rebounding percentage did them in.
Oduro v Clingan- Both would battle foul trouble and only played a combined 38 minutes but you’d have to give the edge to Josh Oduro. Josh had 20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, an assist and a block in 23 minutes of action. Compare that to a quiet 7 point, 3 rebound game from Clingan in 15 minutes. Don’t get it twisted though: Josh did most of his work with the 7-2 big man guarding him. Clingan was too slow to keep up with Josh’s bag of post moves. It was an impressive outing from Josh Oduro and surely opened some eyes for his pro potential.
Carter Had to Earn It– Devin Carter finished with probably the hardest earned 20 point game of his career. He didn’t have his best shooting night (50%/25%/64%), but he’d attack the basket with force all night. Even though he went to the line for 11 free throw attempts he could’ve been there a lot more based on the contact he faced all night. I imagine he hit the ice bath or cryogenic freezer after this one.
Corey Floyd Jr. Played Really Well – This had to be one of the better nights from Floyd Jr. that we’ve seen all season. He was efficient from the floor, rebounded the heck out of the ball, played solid defense, and played with confidence. One only needs to see him elevate for rebounds to realize what a physical specimen he is. I hope he can carry this performance over.
Lack of Production from Deep – We said in our preview article that the Friars pull off the upset if they get unusually hot from deep. It was same old, same old in that department, unfortunately. Providence went 22% from 3, with Gaines 0-4 and Pierre 0-3. This team, bottom line, just lacks shooters. We’ve said it all year and shouldn’t be surprised when it happens again.
What’s Next
The Crier actually leaves this game more confident the Friars can trip them up when they make the return trip March 9th, but we’ve got a long way to go before then. The Friars have some critical games coming up, starting with Sunday on the road against a Villanova team that is teetering right on the edge of desperation and mailing the season in.
Agree with the takes on the refs. In trying to keep a lid on the player/crowd emotions they overtook the game. How can you play D if you’re not allowed to breathe on the ball-handler? Better foul-shooting may have won the game for the Friars. They need to come out strong against Villanova and put that team out of its misery.
I’m encouraged and a little surprised that we hung with CT on their turf. As a result, I too agree that UConn is not going to fair well at the AMP. Also agree that our poor outside shooting and abysmal free throw shooting is at times embarrassing and will cost us more games before this season is over. That said, we can really admire their strong effort and will. Would have liked if coach English would have said even a smidge about the refs but, maybe somebody he respects gave him advice on earning his stripes in the league before he reacts stronger. It was apparent that Hurley doesn’t go by that call and while riding the ref’s it certainly didn’t hurt him in getting calls to go his way.
Russ- agree with your comments. It’s a shame we got that close to a W and blew it due to abysmal free throw accuracy. I do not believe UCONN can repeat as NCAA Champs. I don’t even think they will be Big East Champs. Let’s see how St. Johns does tomorrow vs. UCONN. Should be interesting. I predict we will beat Nova in their house. They have Dixon but not much else. Villanova is a prime example of how very important a coach can be. Ever since Jay Wright retired it has been all downhill for them. Also, look at the Johnnies. Pitino has breathed new life into them. What irks me to no end is that Pitino was heavily recruited by Fr. Brian Shanley, former President of PC. Anyway, Go Friars!
Addendum to my comment about Fr. Shanley recruiting Rick Pitino. I failed to mention that he was elected President of St. John’s University in November, 2020. What a kick in the head! Go Friars!