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PC Holds Off URI 50-49

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Following Providence’s close win over URI tonight, 50-49, it’s safe to say that the rivalry between URI and Providence has returned to what it once was. In front of a packed and ear-piercing crowd, the Rams hung with the Friars the entire night as PC’s lead never reached double-digits.

Both teams entered the game depleted by injuries and suspensions but that never took away from the excitement on the court. From the very tip off, the Ryan Center was rocking, providing one of the best atmospheres for a PC URI contest in recent memory. In Ed Cooley’s words, “To get a road win like this, in this environment, will serve us well in the Big East. This environment was incredible. Really incredible.”

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In the game’s final seconds, Kadeem Batts was sent to the line for a 1 and 1 and despite an otherwise disappointing night for Batts, his connection on 1 of 2 free throws gave Providence a one point lead with 22 seconds left to play. After URI corralled the miss by Batts, on his second attempt, URI head coach Dan Hurley, quickly called timeout as soon as the Rams crossed half court.

Coming out of the timeout, the ball was in the hands of senior forward Xavier Munford, who then handed it off to URI’s top freshman, E.C. Matthews. Matthews drove and pulled up from the elbow but came up short and the air-ball was snagged by LaDontae Henton, sealing the win for Providence.

PC, now 8-2 on the season, was very fortunate to come away the win tonight. When asked how the team felt after the game’s ending, Cooley shared, “My locker room was relieved.”

Bryce Cotton scored a game high 15 points and the aforementioned Henton finished with 8 boards, but perhaps the most important Friar tonight was Carson Desrosiers. It won’t show up in the box score, but Desrosiers rim protecting skills were on display in full force tonight. Much like what Kentucky’s Willie Cauley-Stein did to PC, inside, last Sunday night, Desrosiers was on top of nearly every URI shot attempt near the basket. He was only credited with 2 blocks on the stat sheet, but Desrosiers must have altered, deflected or blocked more than 10 URI shots this evening.

Outside of the game’s final outcome, the other major story to come out of tonight’s contest took place just under the four minute mark in the second half.

A timeout was called but the eyes of most fans never left the court. On his march back to the PC bench, Josh Fortune shoved the ball at E.C. Matthews causing Dan Hurley to charge onto the court to get the attention of both Fortune and the referees. Following Hurley’s actions, Ed Cooley quickly made his way to center court and the two coaches found themselves in a yelling match. They were each handed technical fouls as a result.

In their post game remarks, both Cooley and Hurley shared their regret for the verbal altercation but it certainly provided an exciting moment for everyone in attendance.

With both schools on the rise, don’t be surprised if that very incident is recognized as the point where the Ocean State rivalry was brought back to life.

Email Craig – craig.belhumeur@friarbasketball.com

Follow Craig on Twitter – @Craig_Belhumeur

 

 

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