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Providence’s Effectiveness Slowing 3-point Shooters

Duke Reeves Providence College Athletics

In ESPN’s most recent “Bubble Watch” article, John Gasaway summed up Providence’s win at Villanova with, “Either Providence held Villanova to its worst shooting in over three months or that is simply what the Wildcats did to themselves, including 5-of-30 from beyond the arc. Possibly a little of both.”

That has been a theme throughout the past two months when Providence slowed opponents from beyond the arc. PC’s opponents shoot horribly from deep, and postgame recaps highlight the shortcomings of their opponents on those nights.

The fact of the matter is, Providence has done a tremendous job limiting its opponents from 3-point range in general during the Big East portion of the schedule.

Villanova shot 5-30 on Saturday after going 6-21 from 3-point range against Providence in January. That’s a combined 21%.

During its current four game winning streak Providence has limited its opponents to 9-28 (Seton Hall), 4-12 (Georgetown), 6-20 (Marquette), and then the 5-30 afternoon from Villanova. Three of Seton Hall’s 3-pointers came in the final minute when the game was out of reach.

Over the last four games, PC’s opponents have made just 26% from long range.

When Providence defeated Creighton at the Dunk the Jays shot 6-27 (22%), while Butler made 1-14 (.071) from 3 when they fell to the Friars at home.

Even in back-to-back losses to Seton Hall and Villanova, Providence limited those teams to 9-34 (26%) shooting from 3-point range.

Here’s a look back at all of Providence’s opponents’ long range shooting during conference play:

  • Georgetown: 7-19 (.368) in a PC win
  • DePaul: 5-21 (.238) in a PC win
  • Marquette: 11-29 (.379) in a PC win
  • Butler: 6-12 (.500) in a Butler win
  • St. John’s: 6-23 (.261) in a PC win
  • Creighton: 8-16 (.500) in a Creighton win
  • Seton Hall: 3-13 (.231) in a Seton Hall win
  • Villanova: 6-21 (.286) in a Villanova win
  • Butler: 1-14 (.071) in a Providence win
  • Creighton: 6-27 (.222) in a Providence win
  • Xavier: 5-19 (.263) in a Xavier win
  • St. John’s: 9-21 (.428) in a St. John’s win
  • Seton Hall: 9-28 (.321) in a PC win
  • Georgetown: 4-12 (.333) in a PC win
  • Marquette: 6-20 (.300) in a PC win
  • Villanova: 5-30 (.167) in a PC win

It’s worth noting, that 3-point shooting is down with the line being extended this year. Creighton leads the Big East in conference games, shooting .378 from 3-point range, while Providence ranks sixth in the conference making just .325 from deep this year. Regardless, PC has held its opponents under 30% shooting in eight of its 16 conference games this season.

Providence is holding opponents to .299 from 3 in conference games, good for second in the league, just behind Xavier (.296).

Defending the 3-point line is a significant factor in PC ranking second in the league in points per game against (66.8) — a figure that is behind Villanova’s 65.8 for first, but comfortably ahead of third place Butler (68.9).

 

One Comment

  1. Steve Brown

    March 3, 2020 at 3:13 pm

    The 3 point shot has hurt the basic game of basketball. How often does a player come down and launch a 3 without any regard to setting up for a good play by working the ball around? It is a TEAM game. Too many players want that glory 3pt shot. Problem is they miss most of the time. Shooting .325 is exactly TICKLING THE TWINES as Cousy used to say. Over the years guys lik Hassett, Ollquist and Fields (from the corner), a 25 foot shot was a layup to them. While they all have the ability to hit today, they don’t have the consistency.

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