Tag: Men’s Basketball
Men’s Basketball Shows Mid-Season Promise
by The Cowl Editor on December 7, 2017
Friar Sports
by Sullivan Burgess ’20
Sports Staff
We have come to that special time of the year, the Christmas lights turn on, the weather becomes colder, and most importantly Providence College Men’s Basketball Big East Conference play begins.
While their first conference game against St. John’s University in Queens does not commence until Dec. 28, the Friars look to bounce back from their 75-68 loss to the University of Rhode Island last Saturday, when they take on their remaining non-conference games beginning, with a home game at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center against Brown University. Providence Head Coach Ed Cooley called this year’s annual URI game “one of the worse offensive games of the year” because of the Friar’s 21 turnovers and 47.6 percent from the free throw line. Cooley looks to remain motivated as he continues the positive mindset he ensues on the school and his team.
So far, the season has provided students and fans with plenty of optimism and hope as the Friar’s look to expand their 6-2 record. The student body on campus this season moved forward from the two losses of the season, as they bring a strong amount of energy to every home game. Sadly, the roster will not be fully completed this season as the sudden news that power forward/center Emmitt Holt ’18 will remain to be out for the remainder of the year due to an abdominal injury, placing him on a medical redshirt that will give him the opportunity to continue playing next season.
The sudden loss of Holt has given players such as Nate Watson ’21 and Kalif Young ’20 the opportunity for developing their skills as big men to a whole new level as they both look to provide a big presence in the paint versus any opponent. On top of Watson, freshman guard Makai Ashton-Langford ’21 has developed his skills as backup guard into ultimately the team’s sixth man. Averaging seven points, 2.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and slowly increasing the number of minutes per game, Ashton-Langford remains to be a dominant presence on the court as well a threat to any team.
Returning starters Kyron Cartwright ’18, Jalen Lindsey ’18, Rodney Bullock ’18, and Alpha Diallo ’20. While Cartwright provides the playmaking abilities as one of the best Big East guards this season leading the conference in assists by averaging 6.6 per game, Lindsey and Bullock provide the scoring efforts including Bullock leading the team with 14.4 points per game and Lindsey shooting 63 percent from the three, making it a challenge for the Big East teams to be able to guard.
Diallo has slowly risen to be one of the most improved players in the conference as he averages 11.5 points per game including his 17 point game against URI and developing an on and off ball rhythm allowing him to be deadly when on the court.
Now taking a look at this year’s NCAA men’s basketball season as a whole, Duke remains to be the country’s top team as they increase their undefeated record to 10-0, especially with the rise of freshman Marvin Bagley III averaging 22.025 points and 11.5 rebounds, ultimately making him the number one prospect for the NBA.
In the Big East, Villanova remains undefeated and fourth-ranked in the country as they lead with an overall record of 9-0, despite the loss of Josh Hart to the NBA. Georgetown also remains undefeated with an overall record of 6-0, as they continue the season with new head coach, a former player for the New York Knicks, Patrick Ewing, Providence stands tied for fourth place alongside Butler University. They are leading over the 25th ranked in the country Creighton, following their loss of freshman Justin Patton to the NBA, as well as Marquette, who currently contains the top two scorers in the Big East Conference with senior Andrew Rowsey and sophomore Markus Howard averaging 22.6 and 21 points, respectively.
PC is now faced with the difficult task of picking themselves back up after URI and looking to resurrect their hot streak of winning as Big East Conference games begin, which could provide the team with another March Madness appearance.
Basketball Team Wins 2K Classic
by The Cowl Editor on November 30, 2017
Friar Sports
By Max Anderson ’18
Sports Staff
On Friday, November 17, the Providence College Men’s Basketball Team was able to add another piece of hardware to the trophy cabinet by winning the 2K Classic Tournament, held annually at Madison Square Garden.
The tournament kicked off with a preliminary regional round matchup on Nov. 10, which saw the Friars square off with Houston Baptist University; the winner would advance to the Championship rounds of the tournament. The contest, which was also the season opener for the Friars, turned out to be a one-sided affair, as the Friars would end up winning by a final score of 84-55.
The game saw 11 different Friars score, with Maliek White ’20 leading the way with 13 points. Isaiah Jackson ’19 and Kalif Young ’20 were also big contributors, with Jackson scoring 11 points and Young contributing 10 of his own. Kyron Cartwright ’18 also reached double-digits in points, scoring 10 while also recording 10 assists to be the only Friar to achieve a double-double during the contest.
Nearly a week later, the Friars headed to New York City to take on the Univserity of Washington Huskies in the first game of the championship round. The Friars were able to hang on in a tightly-contested game, winning by a final score of 77-70 to advance to the championship game the following night. Rodney Bullock ‘18 was the star for the Friars in this one, shooting 5-11 from the field, and finishing with 17 points.
Bullock also pulled down nine rebounds, making him one rebound shy of recording the second Friar double-double of the tournament. Young and Cartwright were key cogs once again, with the former adding 12 points and the latter once again chipping in 10 of his own. The talented youth of the Friars was also on display, as Alpha Diallo ’20 and Drew Edwards ’20 both achieved double-digit point marks, with both players contributing 11 points.
The championship game proved much less competitive, with the Friars routing the previously unbeaten St. Louis Billikens 90-63 to capture the 2K Classic crown. Bullock once again led the Friars with 15 points, while Diallo and White both added 11 to the Friars 90 as well.
Cartwright, once again, showed why he is considered one of the top distributors in all of college basketball by dishing out eight assists, and seemingly finding his teammates for open shots at will. But the most impressive Friar on the floor may have very well been heralded freshman Makai Ashton-Langford ‘21. Ashton-Langford, a consensus top recruit who committed to PC this past April, went a perfect 5-5 from the floor during the game, finishing with 11 points for the Friars. Ashton-Langford also showcased his own playmaking abilities, adding three assists while also recording a steal.
The Friars played a post-tournament game at home this past Wednesday, Novemeber 22, taking on the Belmont Bruins at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The game came down to the final seconds, with Cartwright nailing a game-winning three-pointer to give the Friars a 66-65 victory at the buzzer and an unblemished 4-0 mark in the 2K Classic. Bullock and Diallo obtained double-digit points as well, scoring 15 and 13 respectively, while Jalen Lindsey ’18 also had 12, which put him in the double-digit margin.
The 2K Classic Crown is a first for the Friars, and while it is always nice to celebrate new championship hardware, the Friars have their sights set on adding a much bigger trophy to their collection this upcoming March.
Men’s Basketball Splits First Weekend of Play
by The Cowl Editor on November 16, 2017
Friar Sports
By Chris McCormack ’18
Sports Staff
The Providence College Men’s Basketball Team kicked off their season last weekend with a 84-55 win over the Houston Baptist Huskies in Alumni Hall. With comic-con being held at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Nov. 10, the Friars were able to play the first men’s basketball game on campus since 1972.
After this win, the Friars went into one of their biggest out of conference games this season against the no. 15 ranked, Minnesota Gophers. The Gophers, coached by Richard Pitino ’05, proved to be resilient as their veteran team was able to fight off the Friars and win with a final score of 84-72.
Although they lost, the Friars looked solid throughout most of the game and there were a lot of positive things to take away. They got off to a slow start as Minnesota opened the game with a 12-2 run, but they quickly recovered with a run of their own and closed the half out with a three-point lead 39-36.
The second half started similarly to the first with both teams going back and forth up until about the 10 minute mark. The Friars offense seemed to cool off while the Gophers continued to flourish offensively. The Friars seemed to miss Emmitt Holt ‘18, who is out indefinitely after having stomach surgery. The Gophers’ Jordan Murphy scored 23 points with 14 rebounds. As a 6’6” forward, this seems to be the ideal player for Holt to be guarding. The Friars were still able to put up a bit of a fight with a pretty solid offensive performance.
Four players scored in double figures, but what they needed was someone to step up as the rest of the team cooled down. Regardless of the result, there is no doubt they have a promising season ahead of them. They will travel to New York City and face Washington University at Madison Square Garden on Thursday.
The remaining out-of conference games are games the Friars should win. It is definitely a good thing for them to face such a tough opponent early in the season as it will prove to be a learning experience and they will improve as the season goes on. Given the atmosphere in the Dunk on Monday, there is no doubt Friars fans are ready for this season.
Why Men’s Basketball is PC’s Best Winter Sport
by The Cowl Editor on November 2, 2017
PCI
By Chris McCormack ’18
Sports Staff
The winter sports season is arguably the biggest season for Providence College. With two of our programs on the national stage, it is hard to overlook it as one of the better seasons. Both the Men’s Hockey and Men’s Basketball Teams are ranked in the preseason rankings.
PC men’s hockey currently sits at number six in the USCHO.com rankings. Men’s basketball is currently ranked number 23 according to ESPN’s preseason power rankings. That said, it is time to settle a long discussed debate of which winter sport’s team is the most exciting.
In an attempt to take nothing away from all the winter athletes, it is only right to say that our men’s basketball team takes the cake for most exciting. With most of the team returning from last year and the addition of three highly touted recruits, including a top 40 recruit in Makai Ashton-Langford ‘21, it is hard to see a situation where they would not be the most exciting. Kyron Cartwright ‘18 looks to make a strong case for best point guard in the country while also trying to get the team to a Big East Championship and make a fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament.
The Big East is wide open this year as there is no team that is clearly above and beyond better than the rest of the field. That said, with the talent PC has on this roster and the anticipation of all of our students, it is not out of the question for this team to make a run.
By taking all this into consideration, it makes sense to call this team the most exciting of all winter sports. This team’s roster has the potential to be the best Friars basketball team in a while, and given the phenomenal coaching ability of Ed Cooley, the whole Friar family should be excited for this year’s season.
Freshmen Incoming!
by The Cowl Editor on September 12, 2017
Friar Sports
by Sam Scanlon ’19
Sports Staff
With the 2017-2018 season just around the corner, Men’s Basketball Head Coach Ed Cooley has reeled in a new wave of talented recruits looking to make a splash here in Friartown. Four new faces have been added to the roster to complement the skillful group of upperclassmen. The Friars are returning Kyron Cartwright ’18, Emmitt Holt ’18, Jalen Lindsey ’18, and Rodney Bullock ’18, who have proven to be extremely vital to the success of this team. However, the focus this year will turn to the Class of 2021, and what their role will be in giving the Friars the final push into being a top Big East Championship contender.
The highly touted point guard, Makai Ashton-Langford ’21, will be a pivotal piece to the puzzle by adding depth to Cartwright and Maliek White ’20 at the guard position. Ashton-Langford has been extremely anticipated as he is a four-star recruit, ranking 38th on the 2017 ESPN 100 recruiting list and capturing an overall scouting grade of 89. Look for him to have a sizable offensive role for an underclassman, as he will be a great accent to Cartwright.
The Friars also added two big men from Virginia who bring some serious size to the Friars’ roster. Standing at 6’10″ and 260 lbs., Nate Watson ’21 will look to be the starting center in this year’s lineup. His size will greatly benefit and add some much needed depth to the big men up front. His counterpart and fellow center, Dajour Dickens ’21, is a 7’0″ 220-pounder who is an outstanding rebounder, something that this squad is desperately looking for. Rebounding has been an issue for the Friars, as they finished sixth in the Big East for rebounds last season. In addition to the rebound problem being addressed, the Friars have lacked a true center for the last two seasons, but now Holt will be able to return to his position at forward, where he is more comfortable and effective.
Another guard has been added to the roster as well. Andrew Fonts ’21, a local kid hailing from Portsmouth, Rhode Island, will look to be a threat from beyond the arc and add depth for three-point shooting, another area that could use improvement.
This season is one that the Friar Fanatics should be excited about. The Class of 2021 additions are the perfect pieces that were missing from this team. With everyone remaining healthy, our size up front to go along with the speed and scoring ability in the back court is going to be tough for any opponent to stop. As returning players gain another year of experience, and with most of the talent lying in the senior class, Ashton-Langford, Alpha Diallo ’20, and Kalif Young ’20 should slide into their roles and complement the senior class perfectly. With everyone performing to their potential, the Friars will certainly be in the Big East Championship conversation once the postseason comes around.
Men’s Basketball Defeats No. 22 Butler
by The Cowl Editor on February 16, 2017
Sports
By Jeff Williams ’17
After a heartbreaking loss to the Villanova Wildcats at a jam-packed Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Feb. 1, the Providence College Men’s Basketball Team fell to 14-10 overall and 4-7 in the Big East, a very disappointing drop from their 10-3 mark in nonconference play. After three straight seasons of making the NCAA tournament, the Friar men will need a great run in order to go dancing again during March Madness in 2017.
After a week off, the Friars flew to Newark to challenge the Seton Hall Pirates, a team they had previously beaten at home. PC enjoyed an early 17-2 run and sprinted out to a 27-12 lead. However, the hosts quickly clawed their way back to a 41-36 deficit at halftime. Throughout the duration of the game, the Friars looked in control, leading for 26 minutes.
However, the Pirates just would not back down and finally took the lead with a minute left. Trailing 60-59, Rodney Bullock ’18RS hit a jumper to put his team out in front with 43 seconds left. Seton Hall knocked down a free throw to tie it, and Kyron Cartwright ’18 could not get a shot off before the clock ran out. In overtime, the Friars took an early lead, but the Pirates fought their way back and put the game away on a layup with nine seconds remaining to win 72-70.
Providence returned to the Dunkin’ Donuts Center on Saturday, February 11, for the annual Alumni & Family Weekend matchup against the No. 22 Butler Bulldogs. With 12,746 students, alumni, families, and prospective students and parents in attendance, the game started off very slowly. Only 20 points were scored in the first 12 minutes, and Butler led by a slim 25-23 margin at the half. During the break, the school honored two program greats by raising their jerseys to the rafters: the late Bruce “Soup” Campbell ’78, who was was represented by his family, and Otis Thorpe ’84, a former All-Star and NBA champion after PC, who walked out to loud cheers.
In a contrast to the Seton Hall game, the Friars trailed for 27 of 40 minutes, keeping it close, but never feeling secure. Butler raced out to a 47-41 lead, but Cartwright directed a 9-2 run and hit a three to take a 50-49 lead with 7:25 minutes left. Alpha Diallo ’20 stepped up for the hosts, scoring 15 points and making a bid for SportsCenter’s Top 10 Plays with a ferocious dunk off of a missed free throw. Emmitt Holt ’18 scored from under the basket to take a 65-60 lead with 39 seconds left, and later dunked with authority to cap off a strong 71-65 win for the Friars.
Saturday marked PC’s second victory against a ranked opponent this season; the first was over No. 21 University of Rhode Island on Dec. 3. While the Seton Hall loss was devastating, the Butler win represents Providence’s first signature win. With another win against Xavier under their belt, the Friars appear to be rolling. The only four games that remain are, home games against Marquette and DePaul, and away games versus Creighton and St. John’s. The Friars may need to win each of them (or at least go -1) to get back into the tournament conversation. It will be tough, as they are 1-4 against those teams this season, but given recent history, no one should ever doubt a team coached by Ed Cooley.