PC in 7 Minutes Video: Kadeem Batts Explodes vs MSU

Providence Defeats Mississippi State, 73-63, in 7 Minutes

Kadeem Batts was outstanding on Saturday versus Mississippi State.  His 32 point, eight rebound effort went overshadowed by Bryce Cotton’s knee injury, but in re-watching this game what stood out was the number of ways in which Batts got to 32 points.

The junior is at his best when he’s getting to the free throw line, and he did so with frequency on Saturday afternoon in making 8-10 from the stripe.  He hit two deep jumpers early, a 10 footer off of the glass, made hook shots with both hands, and after Cotton went down Batts hit a pair of short pull-ups in which he showed good body control in avoiding a charge.

Batts’ breakout junior season peaked on Saturday, as he carried the Friars throughout without forcing the action at all.  He was terrific.

Also standing out on second watch was Ted Brancroft’s energy.  I touched on it a bit in this space after the game, but Bancroft was very active at the top of 2-3 and looked more comfortable on the offensive end of the floor, grabbing a team-high four offensive rebounds, including a difficult tip in traffic.  He also grabbed an offensive rebound and finished with his left hand in the first half (which drew reaction among the suits on the PC bench, specifically Vincent Council who was quick to point out that he finished with his left).

Underrated is Brancroft’s size at the top of the zone.  At 6’5 he adds above average length and combined with his activity gives Providence a solid defensive performer to bring off of the bench.

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