After a disastrous collapse against both Marquette and Georgetown, Providence is blessed to be able to go on the road and play against the #2 Connecticut Huskies.
This was always going to be an incredibly arduous match-up: the Huskies are the superior team from a coaching and talent perspective, and it is hard to win on the road in the Big East. Now, couple that with Providence in a freefall, and this one has the makings of being a potential bloodbath.
We detail below what we’re looking for in this game.
Health of Jason Edwards
Is he even close to being able to play? I’m not sure. He has plantar fasciitis, and his return timeline has been murky. Shades of Wes Cardet last year.
Providence needs as many scorers as possible in this one, so Edwards would be a welcome addition, but I don’t want him playing unless he’s at least 80%. While he can score with the best of them, he would get exposed defensively if he isn’t at full force. His lack of height was shown in the last game when Mullins and Karaban were shooting over the top of him.
Defend the Three
Mullins and Karaban were scorching hot against Providence in the initial match-up, and I don’t think that is an anomaly. PC needs to try and run the Huskies off the three point line. The issue with that is they can easily run their offense through Tarris Reed if the three point ball is defended well by the Friars. This team is #2 in the nation for a reason, and it is because they have multiple different ways they can beat you.
PC needs to pick their poison on how to defend (or maybe just start with trying to defend), but I’d prefer Providence force Reed to be the focal point on offense.
If I’m Hurley, I run complex sets with screen action to see if Providence can consistently defend the three ball. I don’t think they can possession in and out.
If I’m Kim English, I simplify the defensive scout by not switching on screens. Relying on communication on switches has led to a historically poor defense all year, and I think you gamble on your players sticking with their man. It may be wise pre-game for Kim and the staff to call out moving screens too, for what it is worth.
Note: Mullins suffered a concussion against Villanova, so it may be fortuitous timing for the Friars with him potentially missing this one.
Oswin Staying Out of Foul Trouble
Providence needs Oswin to play 30+ minutes in this one to have a chance. Simple as that.
We saw Oswin get 2-3 post touches against Georgetown, and I’d love to see them duplicate that. It was a welcome new wrinkle to the offense.
Mood/Psyche of Team
I’m particularly intrigued by this topic because I want to see if Providence’s players simply go through the motions or if Kim English can somehow motivate them to play with 40 minutes of intensity. I do think the coaching staff has lost this locker room, and everybody is counting the days until the season concludes.
I unfortunately think we’ll see a halfhearted effort from the Friars. I’d love to be wrong because Connecticut will not let up as Hurley holds them to a certain standard of play. It could get awfully ugly fast if the Friars don’t bring their “A” game.
Prediction
BOC: I think this may be one we can turn off by halftime. Connecticut 85, Providence 70.
Crier: Was curious to see how Providence would respond to the tight Marquette OT loss. The response was good for twenty minutes before an epic collapse. Don’t think the Friars pick themselves up after Saturday’s debacle especially considering you’re playing at Gampel. UConn 90 PC 76
BOC: Sadly, I agree with your prediction. Hoping for a better outcome but not expecting one.
G0 Friars!