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Rapid Reaction: Friars Roll Over Blue Demons

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The Providence College Friars started the game on a 23-7 run and never looked back as they defeated the Depaul Blue Demons 84-61 Saturday afternoon at the Dunkin Donuts Center. Bryce Cotton led six Friars in double figure scoring with 22 points and six assists. The Friars are now 17-9 (7-6 in the Big East) heading into Tuesday’s contest against league leading Villanova at the Dunk. Below are some observations after the game.

Bryce Cotton: Bryce celebrated his inclusion on the latest Naismith Award Watch List by having what may have been his best 20 minutes of basketball in the first half against Depaul. At half-time he had 15 points on 5-6 shooting and four assists. What was even more impressive was that the Blue Demons had no answers for him, no matter what they tried to do. During the course of this season Bryce has completed the transformation from being one of the top shooting guards in the country to being one of the top point guards in the country.

Spreading the Wealth: Six players scored in double figures for the Friars which is particularly impressive as they really only play six players. If they continue to get contributions from everyone like they did today they will be tough for anyone to beat.

Getting off to a good start: The Friars opened the game with a 23-7 run and never really looked back. This is huge as a team expends three times the energy when they are trying to play from behind. You may catch up but then you are out of gas. Today you could tell the Friars had much fresher legs in the second half. One of the major keys to the next few games will be not letting the opposing team jump out to an early lead.

Carson’s Best Game: This was probably the best game Carson Desrosiers has played as a Friar. He finished with 12 points (4-4 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line), five rebounds, and two blocks in 29 minutes of action. Most importantly the Friars were looking for him on the offensive end. If he can become another option on offense with eight or 10 points a game it will make the Friars that much tougher. After the game Coach Cooley said “Carson had three great games in a row and today was his fourth. Carson is a big human being. He is a game changer with his length and size.”

Batts Makes His Presence Felt: Kadeem had a very effective game finishing with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three blocked shots. He also had a couple of Sports Center moments including a thunderous block and he also put Depaul forward Sandi Marcius on a poster with a ferocious fast break jam. The Friars will not lose many games when Batts plays this effectively.

Next up is nationally sixth ranked Villanova Tuesday night at the Dunk. As Coach Cooley preaches, one game at a time.

One Comment

  1. Thomas Walters

    February 16, 2014 at 3:45 pm

    No NIT this year so much better Big East tournament will be a test that PC could Win!
    NCAA basketball tournament will post big East teams from the past and the future just look now at the teams that left! Great coaches and the best Pros for NBA

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