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Dismantling St. John’s

Henton 2015 BET

A year ago, in the Big East Quarterfinals, Providence led St. John’s by 17 points with over six minutes to go — a lead that was dwindled to a point with 1:15 left before the Friars closed it out by shooting 10-10 at the free throw line over the final minute. And with that win PC advanced to the Big East Tournament Semifinals for the first time in 17 years.

The final minutes were a mere formality a year later, as Providence rolled past St. John’s 74-57 to advance to Friday night’s semifinal against top seeded Villanova.

This was the matchup no one in Friartown wanted — a St. John’s team that swept Providence in the regular season and made it look relatively easy in the process.

Nothing was easy for the Johnnies on Thursday, as they were held to 31% shooting. D’Angelo Harrison made just 3-15 from the field, while Sir’Dominic Pointer was equally ineffective, finishing with just seven points.

Providence’s stars were more than up for the task. Kris Dunn rallied the Friars early when they trailed 7-0 out of the gate, and finished with 17 points and 11 assists. LaDontae Henton bounced back from a quiet game on Saturday with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while freshman Ben Bentil was too much to handle on the offensive glass for the undersized Red Storm. Bentil grabbed eight offensive rebounds, 13 total boards and 14 points.

The Friars benefitted from an aggressive Tyler Harris as well. Harris got to the line for eight free throw attempts and scored 15 points.

Providence punished St. John’s on the interior, out-rebounding them 49-36 and limiting their offense to one-on-one opportunities (SJU had just seven assists as a team). Providence led by double figures for the final 16 minutes of the game and seemed to take the will away from a senior-laden group playing their last game together at Madison Square Garden.

Now Villanova awaits. The Wildcats are now 30-2 on the season after an 84-49 dismantling of Marquette early today — a game in which Jay Wright’s group knocked down 17 of their 29 3-point attempts, tying a Big East Tournament record for 3s in a game.

How hot has Nova been? They’ve out-scored their last two opponents 189-117 and haven’t lost since January 19. Providence will look to avenge an 89-61 loss from February 24.

This is a no-lose situation for Ed Cooley’s group. The Friars’ RPI is currently 21 and they are now 22-10 on the season.

Henton a Playoff Performer

Henton is proving to be quite the postseason performer. His 20/12 effort this afternoon now gives him four double doubles in Providence’s five postseason games dating back to last year. He had 16 points and 11 rebounds against St. John’s in the opener last year, exploded for 26 and 14 in the semis versus Seton Hall, finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament against North Carolina and came up just a point shy of another double double in the Big East title game against Creighton (9 points, 13 rebounds).

Twitter: Kevin_Farrahar

Email: kevin.farrahar@friarbasketball.com

 

 

 

14 Comments

  1. Derec Lamendola

    March 12, 2015 at 9:33 pm

    LETS GOOOOOOOOoOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DEREC LAMENDOLA GOING Tommmerrrrow AT GERDIN Tommmerrrow TO NEW YORK DO YOU NEEE DEREC LAMENDOLA Tommmerrrrow I Was SO PUMT PUMT PUMT PUMT PUMT PUMT PUMT Procidence Collllege Friars Mens Basketballl Going SMTACH MODER Villnova And LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO WHOA With Me And Alll About LaDoante Henton And Who’s Redey FOR Tommmmerrrrrrow IF I DON’T GO Tommmmerrrrrrow Who’s Redey PARTY Tonight LET’S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Whos With Me

  2. Neil Primeau

    March 12, 2015 at 9:47 pm

    Excellent execution ovrrall…..Bentil…giving PC…power forward presence….upfront.

  3. Felicia Rodriguez Walsh

    March 12, 2015 at 9:49 pm

    Awesome win Friars .. ! Earning more and more respect ! Those announcer were completely pro St John’s ..

  4. Kim Snyder Goldberg

    March 12, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    When the going gets tough…..the tough get going…who’s with me???ahhhhhhhhh

  5. Jeff Lajoie

    March 12, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Go pc

  6. Mike Mckenna

    March 12, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Great win!!!

  7. Mariruth Wild

    March 12, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Wonderful win!

  8. Billy Tormey

    March 12, 2015 at 11:27 pm

    Even tougher test tomorrow#4 Villanova

  9. Peter Izzo

    March 12, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    Great job!

  10. Michael Trenn

    March 13, 2015 at 12:22 am

    Great game today! My Mom, who was a great PC fan, passed this afternoon at 1:20 pm.

  11. Norman Lavallee

    March 13, 2015 at 2:04 am

    Coach Cooley and assistants getting the team to believe in each other is so evident on the court! This Friar team is so unselfish and they utilize their teammates skills in such a positive way and they are always looking to compliment each other. They are so much fun to watch.

  12. Norman Lavallee

    March 13, 2015 at 2:07 am

    With deepest sympathy and prayer for you and your family Michael Trenn!

  13. Stephen O'Neil

    March 13, 2015 at 8:05 am

    Spider man!!!!!!!

  14. Jack Durkan

    March 13, 2015 at 12:38 pm

    excellent defense

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