Providence game thread

[muskieman]

When: Saturday, Jan. 10, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Cintas Center

TV: FS1 with play-by-play from Connor Onion and analysis from Nick Bahe.
Xavier Radio: 700 WLW

Providence lost in overtime, 103–98, after leading by 11 points with under three minutes left in regulation
The Friars were in control late, up 11 with 3:12 remaining. Ryan Mela’s acrobatic wrap‑around layup looked like the dagger , but it wasn't as UConn went on a 9-0 run.
Why Providence Lost
Couldn’t secure defensive rebounds late.
Struggled to defend UConn’s three‑point shooting.
Offensive stagnation in final minutes of regulation.
UConn’s Silas Demary Jr. (23 pts, 15 ast, 5 stl) completely controlled OT.

Providence Friars 2025–26 Scouting Report
A team with high‑end scoring talent, elite size, and major defensive question marks, Providence enters the season as one of the Big East’s most intriguing but volatile squads.

Team Identity Overview
Strengths
Explosive guard scoring: Multiple 15–20 PPG‑caliber guards.

Elite frontcourt size: 6'10" and 7'0" anchors with real rim‑protection upside.

High offensive efficiency: 89.5 PPG and a top‑70 offensive rating last season.

Deep rotation: 13+ playable scholarship athletes.

Weaknesses
Poor defensive metrics: Allowed 84.1 PPG (bottom 20 nationally).
Injury uncertainty: Several players listed with preseason injuries.
Youth in key roles: Freshmen expected to contribute immediately.
Turnover volatility: Scoring guards but limited true point‑guard playmaking

[Kevin Reilly]

Good first half for the Muskies. Moore is really getting more confident on the offensive side. Wish he was a little more defensive minded. Pops is playing well. How does Wright start? He hasn't played well since the Big East games started. We shot too many threes but we really have trouble finishing around the basket .All the starters played pretty well in the first half. We are defending the three point line well. Go X.

[muskieman]

Why does a 14-point lead seem so little of a lead? 13:40 to go the back and forth is blinding at times. X shoot 61% this half but Providence over 40%

[muskieman]

Pape has been a force with his blocks, tipping many to his players. 7 block shot so far

[muskieman]

I like this in a must win 7 blocks season high

[Kevin Reilly]

Nice to see Milicevic have a good game. How did Providence almost beat U Conn? They play almost no defense. Happy to see us get a win. Almost everyone played pretty well. Good to get a win before Butler. Much needed game.

[longliveskip]

played really well from start to finish.

this will be the mantra of this team this season - basically Jeckyl and Hyde all season. we will play bad for a game or two, well for a game or two. lather, rinse, repeat.

just how it's gonna be.

probably end up like 6 or 7th in the Big East.