by The Cowl Editor on November 21, 2019
Friar Sports
By Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
Following a 63-72 loss to non-conference team Northwestern University, the Providence College Men’s Basketball Team looked to bounce back as they faced off on Nov. 16 against the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference’s Saint Peter’s University, following their own loss against Bryant University.
President of Friar Fanatics, Joe Haughey ’20 was not only excited for the non-conference matchup, but also for what the season has in store for his last year at PC.
Before tip-off, Haughey said, “I think the team can have its best season yet, the talent is all there, the competition is certainly not the same as it use to be with most players from other schools leaving for the draft, I have nothing but high hopes and great expectations.”
Haughey and other Frair fans have been patiently waiting to see what is in store for their team this season.
The first half belonged to the Friars, as they ended the half up 42-21, shooting at 57.14 percent from the field, and even 81.82 percent for free throws, compared to the Peacock’s 33.33 percent in field goals and 75 percent in free throws. There were key performances throughout the first half from David Duke ’22 and Alpha Diallo ’20, who forced numerous turnovers.
The final score of the game was 68-47, Duke scored a game-high 17 points and Diallo right behind him with 15. The second half belonged to Kris Monroe ’22, who jump-started back-to-back possessions to develop a rhythm for the team.
When asked about the team’s low shooting in the second half and losing the rebound battle 36-34, head coach Ed Cooley answered, “We got stagnant, we got sloppy, and I think we got content and greedy. It’s going to be something we have to deal with and work on…Overall, we’re happy with the win. I’d win ugly than lose pretty.”
The next game in line for the Friars was another home game against newest member of the Northeast Conference, Merrimack College. When asked about the road ahead, especially when facing a school such as Merrimack, Cooley said, “You can look at it a few different ways. You always want to play the best to try and prepare us for the Big East. Given what we’re going through, confidence is big. We’re down some key players who normally play a role in what we do. For us to be where we’re at … I’m happy, but I know we have a long way to go.”
In a game full of obstacles for the Friars, such as players being out and one with a cold, Cooley looked for the team to step up.
In his first game back from an injury, center Nate Watson ’21, sparked six points off the bench for a 14-2 run in the first half that gave the Friars the lead at the end of the first half, and ultimately the huge win of 93-56. With a game high 18 points by Luwane Pipkins ’19GS.
Watson stated at the end of the game, “It felt great to be on the court, playing in front of these fans and playing for Coach again.” The Friars are now 4-0 at home. Their next home game against the University of Pennsylvania.
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