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2015’s Best Moments

2015

With 2016 off to an amazing start, the Friars slid up to 8th in the country in the releasing of today’s AP Poll. To help in recalling all of the great moments that 2015 had to offer, here are 8 moments to refresh your memory:

April 22, 2015 – Kris Dunn Announces Plans to Return to Providence
From the darkest of days on March 20th (PC loses to Dayton in the 2nd round of the NCAA Tournament), anxiety loomed within the minds of PC fans everywhere. It seemed nearly certain that Kris Dunn would forgo his remaining eligibility and move on to the NBA. Anticipation built in a similar fashion to LeBron James’ “Decision” back in 2010. On April 22nd though, all the angst surrounding Kris Dunn’s decision could be swiped away. Dunn announced his intention to return to Providence College, paving the way for PC to have a competitive 2015-16 season.

November 28, 2015 – #11 Arizona falls to Providence College
If there was a specific game to point to, as the moment PC appeared better than advertised it was the Arizona game in the Wooden Legacy. Prior to this contest there was no question what Kris Dunn would provide offensively, but questions swirled around the supporting cast. In this one, Ed Cooley faced tremendous foul trouble but his young team hung in there. Ben Bentil scored 21 points, which at the time was a career-high for the sophomore big man. With Bentil’s contribution and Dunn’s incredible final minutes, the Friars took down the 11th ranked Wildcats.

December 31, 2015 – Kris Dunn leads PC over #9 Butler on the Road
The most recent of moments that made this list, there was no doubt that it belonged close to the top. Friar fans were treated to a huge road win in the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. Kris Dunn, Ben Bentil and Rodney Bullock combined for 64 of PC’s 81 points. Bullock knocked down six threes on way to a total of 26 points, setting a new career-high. This win marked the school’s first road win over a Top-10 team since 2004.

January 10, 2015 – Kris Dunn Goes Off in Second Half/OT, Leads Providence over Georgetown
A Josh Smith jumper at the end of regulation sent this one to overtime, but this was the Kris Dunn show. In extra time, Dunn scored or assisted on all 10 of PC’s baskets and finished the game with 14 points. That win sent the Friars to 12-4 on the season.

January 6, 2015 – Unusual Lineup Sparks Comeback win at Butler
Kris Dunn scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half of this thriller which at the time represented the PC star’s career high. What was interesting about this one though, was the rotation that wound up playing nearly the entire second half. Upset with the energy of his team, Ed Cooley turned to the combination of Dunn, LaDontae Henton, Ted Bancroft, Junior Lomomba and Paschal Chukwu to close out the Bulldogs. At the time, Bancroft was rarely used and both Lomomba and Chukwu were at most role players. Bancroft played all 20 minutes in the second half and was key on the defensive end. Dunn and Henton combined for 43 points.

December 6, 2015 – Ben Bentil’s Buzzer Beater earns PC a win over URI 
With an early season win over 11th ranked Arizona and a strong showing against #3 Michigan St. it began to appear that the 2015-16 season could be a special one. That, in a way, was confirmed when the buzzer sounded at the Ryan Center on December 6th. In the past, these types of close games seemed to be PC’s kryptonite. Not on that night though. As the clock struck zero, Ben Bentil tipped in a Kris Dunn missed layup to push the Friars past the Rams.

March 4, 2015 – LaDontae Henton Reaches 2000 Points and 1000 Rebounds
Leading up to a matchup with Seton Hall on the road, LaDontae Henton needed just 17 points to become the second Friar in school history to record 2000 points and 1000 rebounds. Ryan Gomes was the first and only player to reach the feat. Henton dropped 21 and joined Gomes in the record books, cementing his status as a ‘Friar Great’.

December 15, 2015 – Ruane Friar Development Center Announced
As Ed Cooley continues to grow the Providence College program, the Ruane Friar Development Center will be at the forefront of his efforts. Due for completion in the Summer of 2017, the new basketball centric facility will provide Cooley and his staff with a facility on par with other major programs across the country.

On Twitter – Craig_Belhumeur
Email – craig.belhumeur@friarbasketball.com

 

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