The Providence Crier

Providence – Creighton Semifinal Preview

Providence, fresh off a nail-biter against Butler, is playing the Creighton Bluejays in the first of two semifinal games at Madison Square Garden. Providence, at the time of this writing, is only favored by 3 points. Given how the Friars have performed all season, I expect another game that will be decided in the final seconds.

We preview the game below and how the Friars can emerge victorious in this game.

Survive & Advance: Providence Beats Butler in the Big East Quarterfinals 65-61

It is March. In this month, it is all about winning. Optics and beauty points no longer matter, and I think that suits Providence just fine. PC was able to hold off the Butler Bulldogs and are now playing this evening against the Creighton Bluejays.

We break down some interesting talking points about how the Friars were able to avoid an upset and why this game was so close.

Providence – Butler: Round 3 – Big East Tournament Preview

Butler opened up the 2022 Big East Tournament by upsetting Xavier in overtime 89-82. With this win, Butler likely eliminates Xavier from the NCAA Tournament. Providence has defeated Butler twice this season (69-62 and 71-70), and I anticipate the third will be another good one in The Big Apple.

We break down the keys to victory in Madison Square Garden below:

Big East Tournament – The Providence Crier Preview Article

All, it is finally March. You know what that means. Big East Tournament time. From 12pm Thursday through the first weekend of March Madness is honestly one of my favorite times as a sports fan. With Providence having a historic season, it is going to be that much better.

Below, we break down the Big East Tournament, give a rundown of the weekend activities, and provide predictions

Friars Drop Regular Season Finale at Nova 76-74

Down 14 at half time, with the Big East regular season title wrapped up and no Al Durham, the Friars could’ve easily packed it in. Instead they had a furious second half comeback that came up just short against Villanova. Despite the loss, the Friars once again showed they’re a gritty team that shows great resolve. Even though the Wildcats swept the Friars on the season, both games were close and if the ball bounces a different way perhaps the Friars win both of them. The Friars can hold their heads high as they prepare for the Big East Tournament next Thursday. Let’s take a look how it all went down.

Providence, Seeking Revenge, Matches Up Against Villanova on Road – Game Preview

#9 Providence, fresh off the win against Creighton to capture the regular season Big East title, is traveling down to Philadelphia to match up against #11 Villanova. Villanova in their first match-up at The Dunk defeated Providence 89-84 behind stellar play and sharpshooting from Collin Gillespie and Justin Moore.

We break down some key storylines heading into the game and what Providence needs to do to split the season series with the Wildcats.

Goal Accomplished: Friars Capture 1st Big East Regular Season Championship

In the beginning of the season, The Crier said he didn’t have any expectations coming into the season. I don’t think many people could have expected the season the Friars have had but Saturday was a moment years in the making. This was Ed Cooley’s vision when he took the podium to be introduced as the Friars head coach in 2011. To see where Cooley has taken the program he inherited to the one that was just coronated Big East champs is truly remarkable. The Friars did us all a favor by not making this a nail bitter, defeating the Creighton Blue Jays 72-51. Let’s take a look at how they clinched.

Friars Look For History As They Host Creighton on Senior Night

In the words of Ed Cooley, “the stage is set”. It’s senior night for a veteran group with a chance to make history in Friartown. After a gutty, thrilling 3OT victory over Xavier Wednesday night (recap here at https://theprovidencecrier.com/2022/02/24/an-instant-classic-providence-bynum-beat-xavier-99-92-in-triple-ot/#more-4600), the Friars are in uncharted waters. If the Friars end up victorious Saturday night against Creighton, they will be able to win the program’s first ever Big East regular season championship.

Last night was epic! You have not quit on us all season and you continued to believe Friar Fans. It's been quite a journey and you have hung with us all season! We got ONE more at the crib – Saturday at 8:30 p.m. BELIEVE🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀 pic.twitter.com/VwP2BLZDZR
— Ed Cooley (@CoachCooleyPC) February 24, 2022

When you think about where this program was when Ed Cooley took over, and where they are now, on the verge of program history, it’s truly remarkable. Ed Cooley deserves this. The players who have grinded, connected, and grown together all year long deserve this. The PC community that has made the Dunk a mad house deserves this.

We all know, though, that a Big East regular season championship isn’t deserved, it’s earned. The Friars will certainly have to earn it as Creighton comes in as winners of six straight. So let’s look at the keys to bringing a Big East title home to Friartown!

An Instant Classic – Providence, Bynum Beat Xavier 99-92 in Triple OT

This game had everything and anything. Triple overtime? Check. Stoppage due to…roof leakage? Check. Al Durham pulling a Willis Reed several times? Check. End of game foul snafus? Check. Bynum playing the single greatest game as a Friar since Bryce Cotton in the NCAA Tournament? Absolute Check.

Jared Bynum put this team on his back and willed the Providence Friars to a win over the Xavier Musketeers. With the win, Providence has the ability to clinch the Big East Regular Season title for the first time EVER on Saturday with a home game against Creighton (who will be missing one of their best players in Andrew Nembhard).

We detail everything that happened in this game and what it means moving forward.

#11 Providence Looks to Sweep Xavier – Game Preview

Providence is heading into a massive week as they near the conclusion of regular season Big East Play. The Friars match up against the Musketeers at The Dunk after escaping from Hinkle Fieldhouse with an overtime victory against Butler. With 3 games remaining on the Big East slate for the Providence Friars, Providence is looking to stay atop the Big East with a win against Xavier.

Here are some key themes heading into the game and what the Friars need to accomplish to secure the season sweep of Xavier.