The Friar Basketball Newsletter: Providence Takes Care of Business Against URI, A Huge Opportunity in Oklahoma Awaits
Business is picking up in Friartown.
The Friars improved to 7-1 with a win over in-state rival Rhode Island on Saturday night — an 84-69 victory in which Providence pulled away over the final ten minutes.
The game was highlighted by the return of sophomore point guard Jayden Pierre, who forced the action a bit early, but rounded into form in scoring ten points after the break.
As was the case a year ago, URI had no answer for Providence stars Bryce Hopkins and Devin Carter. After a slow start, Hopkins exploded for 19 second-half points on 8-11 shooting from the floor. He finished with 24 points to complement Carter’s 17-point, 11-rebound double double — his third double double in the last four games.
Carter is now the only player in the country averaging at least 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block per game. Considering the energy he expends on the defensive end, Carter’s numbers are all the more impressive.
Our News and Notes column is stuffed with information this week, highlighted by a look at Hopkins showing more patience when finishing at the rim, other recent years in which PC has started the season 7-1, a sequence that showed Pierre was gaining confidence, advanced defensive metrics on the Friars, a wild weekend of upsets in college basketball, Butler’s impressive showing, and heartbreak on the Hilltop.
We also have full highlights from the win over URI, as well as Billy Ricci’s look at what makes the PC/Rhody rivalry so fun.
Subscribers can also read our preview of the PC/Oklahoma game on Tuesday night. The Sooners are undefeated, nationally ranked, and are led by a New Jersey native who is quite familiar with Corey Floyd Jr.
We also have highlights of Providence’s explosive offensive showing against Wagner, a night in which Ticket Gaines buried a career-high seven 3-pointers, as well as a breakdown of Gaines’ big night, a look at his rather unusual shot chart, and more.
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