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Rapid Reaction: PC Handles Fairfield, 78-69

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Rapid reaction from Providence’s 78-69 victory over Fairfield on Friday afternoon.

How the game was won: Five Friars scored in double figures, led by Bryce Cotton’s 24 points (18-19 at the free throw line) as Fairfield made a run early in the second half to cut Providence’s double digital lead to six, but would get no closer. After falling behind by double figures in each of their three games in the Virgin Islands, PC made their first seven shots from the field and quickly pushed their advantage to 14-4 early. Despite being outscored in the second half, Providence won 78-69.

Henton scores 1,000, triggers key run.  Despite a fat stat line from Cotton (24 points, 7 assists) junior LaDontae Henton may have been the best Friar on the floor today — an afternoon in which he crossed the 1,000 point mark for his college career. After Fairfield cut Providence’s lead to 46-40, Henton sparked a 12-0 Providence run that put the game away. During this stretch Henton made a free throw, a difficult layup and came up with two steals and block.

In a game in which many of the Friars seemed a step slow, Henton was aggressive on both ends in the second half, finishing with five steals, two blocks, 12 points and seven rebounds on the afternoon.

No Dunn. After the game Ed Cooley said the decision to sit Kris Dunn for this one was made on Wednesday. The sophomore point guard’s injured shoulder was sore after the three game trip to the Virgin Islands, and Cooley noted that he will continue to be day to day.

Cotton ties a record. Bryce Cotton’s 18 free throws made tied a Providence school record. Eric Murdock and Jimmy Walker also reached the mark. Cotton made 10 free throws over the final four minutes of the game.

Friars continue to shoot well from one line, poorly at the other. The free throw line has been Providence’s saving grace on the offensive end this season, and they feasted there Friday afternoon, taking a whopping 45, and making 38 on the day (84%).

For a team that has shot incredibly well at the line this season (82% coming in), PC continues to struggle from deep. They had made just 30% of their three pointers prior to the Fairfield game, and didn’t help that figure with a 2-11 spot on Friday. Josh Fortune made 2-4, but his teammates missed their seven attempts.

What it means: Providence enters the most anticipated game of the season (Sunday against Kentucky at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn) at 7-1 on the year, despite struggling to find their footing on the offensive end. After making their first seven shots today, PC went just 6-17 to close the first half and shot 27% (6-22) in the second. There certainly aren’t a shortage of weapons, specifically in the frontcourt, but a month into the season the offense just hasn’t come together for the Friars. They’ll have to ramp it up on that end of the floor if they are to compete with Kentucky on Sunday night.

 

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