With three scholarship players not able to suit up, including Providence’s All Conference Forward Bryce Hopkins, it would have been easy for the Friars to mail it in against Connecticut on the road. PC showed no fight or resistance at home against Marquette, so you were naturally inclined to think a repeat of that performance would transpire.
Instead, Providence built up a first half lead through aggressive offense in the paint and at the rim, but ultimately the Huskies hit on all cylinders in the second half to win 87-84. It was quite a display from Connecticut, who seemingly hit every shot in the second half. It was the type of performance which makes you remember why they are the two time defending national champions.
Despite the loss, I walk away from the game much more optimistic about the season than I did heading into the game. Providence displayed a lot of the things I’ve been asking for (mid range shots, floaters, and looks at the rim even when contested) while minimizing the number of turnovers and poor end of shot clock looks we’ve been accustomed to.
While the refs didn’t ultimately determine the outcome, their inconsistency in calling the game put a blemish on an otherwise exciting game. The contrast in how the game was called from the first to second half was inexcusable. The Huskies got the benefit of the whistle in the second (Mahaney’s flop was egregiously bad). We saw a similar display of officiating last time Providence played in Storrs where it became a “ref show” in the second half. Even if you disagree with the physicality of yesterday’s first half, you’d rather the players decide the games than the stripes.
At the end of the day, Connecticut’s offensive execution won them the game, as well as Tarris Reed’s two way impact, but the refs did themselves no favors and deserve criticism for their inconsistency.
We recap keys to game and what we can take away.
Revisiting the Keys to the Game
Make Free Throws – Providence was incredible from the charity stripe, going for 87% on 20-23. Unfortunately, Connecticut was just as effective going for 84% on 27-32 from the line. Good teams make their free throws at a high rate.
Take Care of Basketball – Providence did a really great job of protecting the basketball, only turning it over 10 times. Hassan Diarra was a pest in the second half, using his physicality and on-ball pressure to force turnovers. I thought he and Reed were the differences in the game due to their defensive efforts.
Avoid the Deadly Run – Connecticut went on a big run in the second, but I don’t point criticism to Providence honestly. The Friars ran crisp offense and had high quality looks, but Connecticut played at an elite level offensively in the second half. I don’t even think it was due to subpar defense by PC. Connecticut hit about 5 shots that they had no business making, and sometimes you just have to tip your cap to the opponent. As Mike hears me say far too often, the opposition is on scholarship too.
BHop’s Status – Another game without Hopkins. The day-to-day status is approaching a month without him playing. At a certain point, the team, fans, and program need some finality here on his status. Shut him down for the season or suit up in the next stretch of games that are a bit more favorable.
Ignoring the Marquette fiasco, Providence has lost their last 3 games by a combined 9 points. He likely flips the outcome of those 3 games, and we are looking at this season in a different light.
Reward Your Hustle Players – There has been a clear shift to play the guys who will likely be around next year. Cardet had a heck of game, but 4 of the top 5 in minutes played and scored were high school recruits and players who should be around next year. Same goes for the starting line-up where 4 of the 5 starters have eligibility after this year.
Mela received the most time off the bench and has been a revelation. He is going to be a key foundation of this Providence program for the next 3 years. He has “it” and is somebody you can build around, along with the stud freshman coming in and roster returnees.
It may be tough to see currently, but the future outlook for the roster is bright. This young roster is just taking their lumps now.
Defend the Perimeter – Despite allowing 87 points, I don’t at all critique the defense. As mentioned above, I thought Connecticut played outrageously good basketball in the second half, and the refs allowed the score to balloon with an incredible amount of foul calls in the second half. Providence did a great job of running Connecticut off the 3 point line, but they still made them pay, going 6-13 from deep.
Summary – Maybe it is the New Year optimism, but I do think Providence can steady the ship a bit and become competitive for the remainder of the year in the Big East. Do I think they are a tournament team? Without Hopkins, no. But they can be competitive enough to be a tough out, all while building for the future.
Mela, Barron, Oswin, Floyd Jr., Pierre, and Bonke all can return next year. Layer in Fernandez and DeLaurier who seem like high energy program guys and add in blue chippers Jamier Jones and Jaylen Harrell into the mix. You start to see where the direction of this program is headed.
Support the guys, imperfections and all. They just may surprise over the next month or so.
Go Friars.
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