After the second game in a row of scoring in triple digits, Providence looks to use their newfound offensive firepower to build a two game winning streak against the 2-0 Colorado Buffaloes. The Buffs are undefeated on this young season, beating Montana State and Eastern Washington by 6 and 5, respectively. This will be a step up for Colorado in competition, while Providence gets another chance to improve its non-conference record with a road victory against a Power 5 opponent.
Below, we will provide an overview of the Colorado roster, what we are looking for in this game, and keys to victory for Providence.
Who to Know: Colorado Roster
Isaiah Johnson – 6’1 freshman averaging 20 points on 59% from the floor, 56% from 3, and 89% from charity stripe
Barrington Hargress– 6’1 junior guard averaging 12.5 points, 52% from floor, 3.5 assists
Sebastian Rancik – 6’11 Slovakian forward averaging 18.5 points, but a dismal 36% from floor and 33.3% from 3
Bangot Dak – 7 ft junior averaging 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 blocks
Elijah Malone – 6’10 Center averaging 8.5 points, 8 rebounds, 3.5 assists
Team Stats: Averaging 93 points a game, 33 rebounds, 16.5 assists, 40% from 3. Allowing 87.5 points/game.
Keys to Game
Rebounding – Stats are Confounding
When studying this Colorado team and their starting frontcourt of 6’11, 7ft, 6’10, my first thought was, “wow, they must absolutely dominate on the glass”. Quite the contrary. Their 33 rebounds a game in 2 games puts them 296th nationally. How is that possible with that size in the frontcourt? Providence, on the other hand, is 49th nationally at 44.7 rebounds. So, color me a bit confused here.
My belief after studying the tape is that the low rebound numbers for the Buffs are related to two items: Colorado has their bigs hanging out around the perimeter, which I despise as a fan of a program, and the offenses they are going against are scoring with ease which limits the rebounding totals.
Providence is going to be significantly lacking in size in the frontcourt, and this will be a true test to see if their above average rebounding numbers are fool’s gold against a superior team when it comes to size. It’d be quite a statement to see Providence come out on top in aggregate rebounding numbers. This will be a team effort from the 1-5 to help contribute on the glass.
Jason Edwards Showing His Worth
This Colorado team is led in scoring by a true freshman who is not only putting up gaudy offensive stats, but is doing it extremely efficiently. Edwards and Johnson are going to likely be matched up against each other due to similarity in size, and Edwards can really show his value to Providence by making life difficult on the true freshman.
I believe Edwards is a better defender than given credit for, and if he can merely slow down Johnson and force him into difficult shots, this game should be an easier win for Providence. Edwards has about 4 years on the youngster, and I’d like to see him impose his will here on the road.
Exploit the Size in Backcourt
This will be a theme for a lot of games for Providence this year. While the frontcourt for Buffalo is monstrous, their backcourt is tiny, as they are led by two 6’1 guards. Sellers, Vaaks, Floyd Jr., and Mela should exploit this size advantage whenever they have an opportunity. I’d look to attack these guards and see if they can defend you without fouling.
I do believe this will be a noticeable advantage and Colorado’s coach will have their towering frontcourt support them with weak-side help defense, which should lead to kick-outs and passes for open looks.
Oswin – Stay out of Foul Trouble!
Colorado already has the size advantage in the frontcourt and relegating Oswin to the bench for a majority of the game due to foul trouble will only magnify the size advantage over Providence. I thought Hargrove played incredibly well against Penn with his ability to box out and gobble up rebounds, but he is only 6’8/6’9. We need Oswin’s height and athleticism to help protect the rim.
The health of Powell is a crucial item of concern here, as he can add some more size to the frontcourt for Providence.
Providence – Dictate Pace
Colorado is 208th in tempo on this young season while Providence is 51st. I do think Colorado has a tough time defending, exemplified by allowing 85+ to two low majors, so Providence should do everything possible to maximize the number of possessions offensively while forcing Colorado to speed themselves up.
How do you speed Colorado up? Trap defense and full court press! If nothing else, it makes Colorado a bit uncomfortable and gets them out of a rhythm to get into their sets. If Providence lets up a few buckets to them breaking the press, so be it.
You want Colorado to play your style, not vice versa.
Summary
It’s nice to win decisively against Penn after a tough overtime loss to a Virginia Tech team that is scorching hot right now, but if Providence truly wants to be taken seriously nationally, they need to win this one at Colorado. I doubt there will be a true home crowd advantage, and I don’t think this Colorado team will particularly impress all season.
This is a business trip, and Providence needs to take care of business away from the AMP.
Predictions
BOC: Friars continue their offensive hot streak, winning 94 – 88.
Crier: 87-82 Providence
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