PROVIDENCE MAKES THEIR STATEMENT

January 29, 2009

This is the one Providence needed and unlike others that came before, the Friars got the job done in a 100-94 win over Syracuse, a Friars Win that Can Not be Overlooked (Providence Journal) as Keno Davis puts together his program.

The win moves the Friars to 6-2 in the Big East while SU has now lost four of five and sit at 5-4 at the halfway point in conference play.

With a short-handed opponent, the Friars Run-and-Gun Game Shoots Down Syracuse (Providence Journal) as six Friars score in double figures, led by Sharaud Curry's 22 points. Syracuse got 35 points from Jonny Flynn and 27 from Eric Devendorf, but the Orange Comes Up Short in it's 'Must-Win' Game (Post-Standard) as Andy Rautins did not make the trip because of an ankle injury and Arinze Onuaku was limited to just 15 minutes of action where he did not score and grabbed one rebound. Onuaku Gave it a Go, But Knee Wouldn't Cooperate (Post-Standard) and the week off before their next game should help the tendonitis improve.

But, this night belonged to the Friars and their fired up crowd who supported their team and made sure Devendorf Heard it from the Crowd (Providence Journal).

Besides the 22 from Curry, Marshon Brooks (17), Geoff McDermott (15), Jonathan Kale (14), Weyinmi Efejuku (12) and Randall Hanke (12) also reached double figures. PC forced 21 turnovers by the Orange, nine charged to Devendorf, as the Orange is Fried (Post-Standard), seemingly mentally and physically.

A week off could not come soon enough for SU.