FRIARS TURNAROUND BEGINS ON DEFENSE; BC UP NEXT

by JEFF BORZELLO

A season ago, Providence struggled through a 12-19 campaign in which the Friars lost their final 11 games.

Keno Davis’ troops ranked next-to-last in the country in scoring defense, giving up an eye-opening 82.2 points per game. They also ranked No. 321 in field-goal percentage defense, allowing teams to shoot 47.1 percent.

Expectations weren’t much higher this season, as the Friars lost their two top scorers from last year, Jamine Peterson and Sharaud Curry. Moreover, with an influx of freshmen, the defense did not seem primed to improve.

Surprisingly, though, Providence currently sits at 9-1, a record that includes a double-digit win over Rhode Island.

“It’s going good so far,” sophomore guard Vincent Council told Jeff Borzello for his article at BustingtheBracket.com. “I think [we’re doing better than expected].”

The team defense has been the key so far. Opponents are scoring 65.3 points per game against the Friars, and shooting just 38.8 percent from the field. The Friars also rank No. 50 in effective field-goal percentage.

“[People underrated us because of our] youth,” Council said, “but we’re working hard.”

Marshon Brooks and Council are providing most of the offense, while first-year players Gerard Coleman and Kadeem Batts have made immediate impacts. Brooks is currently second in the conference in scoring at 21.4 points a game and is coming off a career high effort against Brown with 33 points Monday night. Council tied the school record with 16 assists in a game in the same contest and has taken over the league lead in assists, averaging 6.8.

Although the Big East is tough top-to-bottom, Providence could surprise some people if it continues to lock down on the defensive end. A busy week continues for the Friars and their new defensive prowess will be put to the test with a road game against former conference rival Boston College in Chestnut Hill tonight. The Eagles are 6-2 on the season and averaging 77 points a game in their three-game win streak that includes victories versus Cal, Indiana and UMass. On Saturday Alabama will make the trip to the Dunkin' Donuts Center from SEC country to battle the Friars.

Be sure to check out BustingtheBracket.com for more coverage from Jeff Borzello on NCAA College Basketball.

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FRIARS RALLY TO BEAT YALE, BIG EAST PLAY UP NEXT

Keno Davis said prior to the game that he had hoped his team learned their lesson in their loss to Iona in their previous outing. For nearly the first 30 minutes, it looked like Yale was going to teach Davis' young Providence squad another lesson. However, PC Pulls Away for an 87-78 Win Over Yale (Providence Journal) as the Friars closed the game with a 31-13 run over the final 12:28 to earn the win in their final pre-conference tune-up.

Jamine Peterson led PC with 25 points and 13 rebounds while guards Marshon Brooks, Sharaud Curry and Vincent Council each added 13 in the win.

Yale led by as much as 11 in the first half before attention to defense helped turn the game in the favor of the Friars. Now, with Big East play up next, Providence shifts its focus ahead to the start of league play in South Bend on Dec. 30 when they take on Luke Harangody and Notre Dame.

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PROVIDENCE LIGHTS UP SCOREBOARD IN WIN OVER GW

Six players in double figures and 16 of 29 from three-point range will result in a lot of points and that is exactly what Providence got Wednesday night as an NBA Game Breaks Out and the Friars Have More Fire Power (Providence Journal) in their 110-97 win at George Washington.

The Friars' Three-Point Show Downs the Colonials (Washington Times) six different PC players made at least two from beyond the arc. The most potent sniper was senior Brian McKenzie who hit on four of five as part of his season-high 17 points. Sharaud Curry nailed three from deep and dished out 13 assists to go with his 16 points. Jamine Peterson also hit three deep balls and finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Marshon Brooks had a team-high 19 points with freshmen Bilal Dixon (18) and Vincent Council (10) rounding out the Friar double-digit scorers.

The Friars shot 52% from the floor and 55% from three-point range. Their high-paced attack also got them to the foul line 35 times where they made 26 attempts.

PC finishes their four games in seven days on Saturday when they host Iona. Providence is then off for nine days before finishing their pre-conference slate by welcoming Yale (12/21) to the Dunkin' Donuts Center and they travel to Notre Dame on 12/30 to open conference play.

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PROVIDENCE REBOUNDS TO BEAST BROWN

After a tight first half, in which they led 37-33, Providence pulled away from Brown for a 78-62 win, getting past the painful memories of Saturday's loss to Rhode Island.

PC Bottled Up Brown (Attleboro Sun) in the second half by extending their defense to defend the three-point threat. The Friars also used their advantages in size and athletic ability to clean up on the glass with a 56-38 reboiunding edge and also make 11 steals and block 11 shots as a team.

Jamine Peterson (22 points, nine rebounds), Kyle Wright (15 points, four rebounds, three assists) and Bilal Dixon (13 points, six rebounds) paced PC as they overcame their own shooting woes (39% from floor and 27% from three) to earn the win.

Providence is right back in action Wednesday night when they travel to DC to take on 6-1 George Washington.

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PROVIDENCE LETS 16-POINT LEAD SLIP AWAY IN LOSS TO URI

In their annual in-state rivalry game, Providence blew a 16-point lead in an 86-82 loss to Rhode Island, dropping the Friars record to 5-3 on the season. The Rams Have a Finishing Kick (Providence Journal) that allowed them to overcome the deficit and hang on to win on their home floor.

PC-URI Lives up to the Hype (Providence Journal), but the loss will sting the Friars and could set their young squad back in the confidence department. PC will have to bounce back quickly with three games with week. The friars host Brown tonight (see below) and Iona on Saturday with a road game against George Washington on Wednesday. Following Saturday's game, PC is not in action again until 12/21.

Redshirt soph Jamine Peterson led the Friars with 20 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday. Sharaud Curry added 17 and freshman Vincent Council scored 16.

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FRIARS AVOID LATE COLLAPSE, SNEAK PAST NORTHEASTERN

Providence burned the nets at a 56% shooting clip from the floor to escape hostile Northeastern with a win, the final PC 76, Northeastern 72 (Providence Journal).

The Friars, behind Sharaud Curry's 13 points in the first half, took a 40-29 lead at the break and extended the lead to 72-59 with 4:47 remaining before a 13-2 run by the hosts cut the PC lead to 74-72 in the final moments. After a Marshon Brooks airball, the Friars called timeout with 15 seconds on the game clock and one second on the shot clock. Running a set play, freshman Vincent Council found Jamie 'Big Shot' Peterson with a lob pass that the high-flying sophomore converted to beat the shot clock and clinch the win for Providence.

The senior Curry led PC with 19 points and Peterson added 18 of his own to go with 9 rebounds. In all, PC placed five players in double figures with Bilal Dixon and Council scoring 11 and Brooks adding 10.

It has come at a key time, with conference play nearing, that Curry Has Rediscovered his Shooting Touch (Providence Journal) as his 19-point performance last night followed a 20-point outing in Saturday's loss to Boston College. Curry hit seven of 10 shots last night and was three of three from beyond the arc in the first half.

The Friars move to 5-2 on the season and have their annual in-state tussle with Rhode Island on Saturday. Last night's trip to Northeastern was used to gain experience for what they will see on the road this weekend. The Huskies fell to 2-3 with the loss.

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Providence Opens 2009-10 Campaign with World Vision Invitational Crown

By John Sessions and Chris Crawford

The Providence College Friars survived a tough Mercer team on Sunday, Nov. 15, hanging on to win 77-75 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in downtown Providence, completing a three-game sweep as they were crowned World Vision Invitational Champions. Junior guard/forward Marshon Brooks paced the Friars with 26 points and was named the tournament MVP. Friar fans also saw the highly anticipated return of sophomore forward Jamine Peterson, who, despite being redshirted all of last year, electrified the crowd with dazzling dunks on his way to recording a career-high 22 rebounds, the most by a Providence player since Michael Smith grabbed 26 boards on Jan. 25, 1994. With the win, Providence moves to 3-0 on the season for the first time since 2005-06.

The Friars kicked off the season Friday, Nov. 13 against intrastate foe Bryant University. Nervousness was not present for this season opener, as PC jumped out to a 15-2 run, and never looked backed. By halftime the score was 50-18 and the Friars clearly looked like the superior team. Freshman forward/center Bilal Dixon led the charge for the Friars, posting a double-double in his first colligate game. Five Friars; Brooks, Sharaud Curry, Dixon, Brian McKenzie, and Peterson, finished in double figures and the press defense was pesky all night, forcing 21 turnovers. The game finished 96-53, and the 43 point victory was the largest for the Friars since 2001 when they defeated Morgan State by 44 points.

The World Vision Invitational continued for the Friars Saturday, Nov. 14 as they took on Bucknell University. The Bison proved to be a more formidable opponent for PC, as Bucknell took a 36-34 lead into halftime. Senior guard Sharaud Curry played the part of the veteran leader, putting the team ahead for the first time with a three pointer in the second half and going 8-8 at the free throw line down the stretch. The Friars were too strong for Bucknell in the paint, holding a 46-31 rebounding advantage and led 19-6 in second chance points. Ultimately, buckling down on defense and making their free throws allowed the Friars to pull away for good, winning by a final score of 76-65.

Aside from the fantastic start, Friar fans also witnessed the speed, size, and quickness of second-year coach Keno Davis’ highly touted first recruiting class. Redshirt freshman Bilal Dixon looks to be a force to be reckoned with, as he brings tremendous size and energy when he steps onto the court, while true freshmen Johnnie Lacy, Vincent Council, James Still, and Duke Mondy all contributed significant minutes this weekend. Veteran seniors Sharaud Curry and Brian McKenzie, along with junior forward transfer Russ Permenter supplied PC with the leadership they needed throughout the long weekend, especially in the closing seconds of Sunday’s game.

Providence was a perfect 3-0 in the Tournament as Curry and Peterson both earned All-Tournament accolades while Brooks was named the 2009 World Vision Invitational MVP. PC now travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Friday, Nov. 20 for an 8:00 p.m. contest against SEC opponent Alabama, beginning a string of non-conference contests in which they will look to continue their early success.
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John and Chris help cover the Friars for The Cowl, the Providence College newspaper.

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YOUNG FRIARS PREPPING FOR BIG OPENING WEEKEND

Its almost a completely new look team for Keno davis at Providence. Kevin McNamara of the Providence Journal has a quick preview of the team in his PC Basketball at a Glance as fans have Lots to Learn about Friar Squad (Pawtucket Times). There is the potential to learn alot about the Friars this weekend as they will be playing Friday, Saturday and Sunday as part of the World Vision Classic at the Dunk. Davis is Hoping Patience and Hard Work Pays Off (Providence Journal) for his young and inexperienced Friars when the season gets under way.

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JAMINE PETERSON LEADS PC IN EXHIBITION WIN

Courtesy of NBE Basketball Report


Providence head coach Keno Davis has continually sang the praises of redshirt sophomore Jamine Peterson for the work he put in while sitting out last season to improve his game. Fans got a glimpse of that improvement on Saturday as Peterson Gets a Lot Done (Providence Journal) on the court in the Friars' 91-55 exhibition win before 6532 fans at the Dunkin' Donuts Center over Stonehill.

Peterson scored 20 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked four shots and had two steals in a very productive 23 minutes. Junior Marshon Brooks had a game-high 21 points for the Friars who open their season this weekend at the Dunk in the World Vision Invitational with games against Bryant, Bucknell and Mercer on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In an effort to draw more fans on Saturday, PC Cuts Some Ticket Prices to $5 (Providence Journal) for the game with Bucknell, as well as six other games this season.

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McDermott Weighing Future Options

May 1, 2009


By Zach Smart

Tim Welsh recalls hounding down Geoff McDermott when the 6-foot-7 forward mounted his Divison-I stock at New Rochelle High School. McDermott was evolving into a highly sought after product on the recruiting market, and everyone from Fred Hill to Mike Krzyzewski was checking out the versatile kid from Westchester County, N.Y.

The Section I/Westchester County hoops culture was buzzing. College coaches had one on eye on McDermott, one eye on the game. They kept tabs on his well-rounded numbers and watched him make his teammates better.

McDermott's cat-quick evolution, one that pan out and receive plenty of major D-I love his senior year, was intriguing.

McDermott's game took off mid-way through his junior year at New Rochelle. He ran the show and played off the ball for the Huguenots, garnering respect from cats like Keith Benjamin (Pitt), Dexter Gray (St. John's/Iona), Jonathon Mitchell (Florida/Rutgers), Mike Coburn (Rutgers), and Chris Lowe (UMass) at Mount Vernon.

One of the most storied rivalries in Section I was heated back then, and McDermott had officially evolved into the new block during the 2003-04 season.


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He played sparingly as a rail-skinny sophomore.

After getting into a fight with the weight room, filling out, and smoothing over gaps in his game that summer (he developed into a presence in the running and passing game), McDermott began to flower.

He led the New Rochelle Huguenots to multiple marquee victories and made it an interesting game against Mount Vernon.

His fundamentally sound approach, coupled with rarified versatility garnered the attention of then-Providence coach Tim Welsh.

Welsh felt that McDermott's balanced game would be a glove-fit at Providence, a burgeoning Big East school that raised eyebrows during the Donnie McGrath/Ryan Gomes phenomenon.

For Welsh, however, there was one problem which surfaced.

Providence was lacking a considerable recruiting tool. Other potential major Division-I suitors such as Syracuse, Arizona State, Rutgers, Pittsburgh, and Wisconsin (where he took an official visit) were utilizing this tool to lure the 6-foot-6 235-pound forward into an early commitment.

The Badgers had another Westchester County player in former Edgemont HS fullback Matt Bernstein, who could have lured the kid to take the snaps in football-crazed Madison, Wisc.

Providence, of course, didn't have a football team.

McDermott, an all-state quarterback who led New Rochelle to the 2004 Class AA championship, wanted to pursue both sports.

McDermott was the highly-touted signal caller for a memorable team (arguably the best in school history) that featured former Rutgers running back Ray Rice, who now plays in the NFL.

Rice and McDermott are tight, they've known each other since they were elementary schoolers, and it was McDermott who convinced the blink-quick 5-foot-9, muscle-bound Rice to play basketball for New Rochelle his senior year. But the tandem wouldn't continue their success on the gridiron in college.

Then, McDermott made a gut decision. He decided his athletic future would center around basketball, and narrowed his choices down to Duke, Providence, and Boston College.

McDermott's uncle, Keith, said that academics played a role in his nephew's decision. All three schools were known as prestigious academic institutions.

Keith McDermott, who says his missed maybe three of Goeff's games in his four-year career at Providence, said he knew his nephew would be able to master the transition to point-forward.

It was after his freshman year--when McDermott averaged 8.9 points and 9.0 boards--that McDermott was asked to shoulder the role of playmaker. He morphed into Mr. Versatility, averaging five dimes his junior and senior year.

"From my standpoint, I think hes always been a good rebounder and a good passer. I know everyone harps on his quarterback days." said Keith McDermott, who lives in nearby Milton, Mass. and was raised in Money Earnin' Mount Vernon.

"He's an unselfish person, he's always looking to get everyone involved. That, more than anyhing else. Being an unselfish person, being a quarterback, he was sort of forced to play the point. That kind of reinforced his passing more than anything else."

Donnie McGrath was there to mentor him his freshman season. McGrath, another Section I kid who re-wrote the record book at Kennedy HS (Somers, N.Y.) passed the pigment out of the basketball before passing the baton to Geoff Mac. McGrath had tryouts with the Knicks in 2006. His current whereabouts are unknown.

McDermott's collegiate career ended in March. Unfortunately, the Friars' folded under an avalanche of Jack McClinton 3-pointers. The Friars fell to Miami, 78-66, in the NIT. McClinton was the catalyst, dialing in for seven treys. McClinton broke his own school record for most three-pointers in a season.

If there were changes other than McDermott's enhanced leadership role and increased presence in the passing lanes, they were subtle.

"G-MAC" averaged 9 points, 9 boards, and five assists his sophomore year. As a junior, he posted a similar line with 10 points, eight boards, and five dimes. As a senior, McDermott averaged 8 points, 8 caroms, and three dimes.

No question, McDermott will be sorely missed in Providence next year.

Not to worry.

One player who will likely cushion the rangy playmaker's loss is Providence-bound point guard Johnnie Lacy, who operates the high-tempo offense at Notre Dame Prep.

While McDermott's career in the Big East may be finished, I'll bet dollars to donuts he's not hanging the kicks up.

A peacock-proud uncle says his nephew is most focused on graduating with a
degree in business. He only has about a month left, so I won't give a "congrats Geoff" shoutout just yet.

After a solid four-year stay with the Friars, G-MAC will most likely take his game over the pond, for a career in Europe or elsewhere.

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FRIARS LATE SURGE HOLDS OFF DEPAUL

By Zach Smart

NEW YORK--The callow, sophomore-anchored ballclub looked as if they
could stage another Big East upset. We're talking a titanic, monumental
upset that would bury Providence's desire to dance this season.

DePaul--yes, that DePaul, the team that worked through the meat and
maximum of their conference slate and didn't come out with anything
other than an 0-18 quagmire--was giving the senior-led Providence
Friars the business before a lunch-time crowd at Madison Square
Garden.

Yes, that Providence. The team who outlasted Syracuse and
blood-lettered Pittsburgh and talked all pre-season about their desire
for a first-ever NCAA tournament berth during their time as Friars.

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So, Jerry Wainwright's nucleus of neophytes--led by an aggressive,
swift scorer in Dar Tucker--gave the black-and-white clad fans some
early jitter bugs.

DePaul instigated a torrent of turnovers (the Friars committed seven
first-half turnovers before DePaul had committed one) and sealed off
7-foot Randall Hanke down low. They put the clamps on the Friars,
forcing Sharaud Curry into some errant passes and poor decisions.

DePaul buried the Friars with a barrage of three-pointers. Will Walker,
Tucker, and seldom-used forward Mario Stula (the Croatian had just
seven three-pointers leading up to the game but canned three pivotal
treys in 13 minutes).

They also featured Tucker, who finished with 30 points on 10-for-22
shooting. The low NBA prospect has the potential to be one of the top
players in the conference next season and showed it on the biggest
stage Wednesday.

DePaul had held a thin margin for much of the second half and another
upset appeared to be on its way.

Then, suddenly, the elder statesman on the court thwarted young
DePaul's momentum surge.

Jeff Xavier, Providence's 23-year-old senior, canned an open trey from
the corner, providing the Friars with a 64-62 lead with under five
minutes remaining.

Xavier's three was timely. It injected the life that Providence (7-6 in
their last 13 games) has been sorely lacking during such a high-stakes,
fate-determinant game. Early on, however, Providence was sleepwalking,
playing without passion, as if it was their game to lose.

The three-pointer triggered a vital 8-0 run capped by Geoff McDermott's
coast-to-coast layup. Wedged in between was a strong take to the rack
by Weyinmi Efejuku and a jumper from Curry.

Curry and Efejuku paced the Friars with 25 and 23, respectively. Will
Walker, who went 6-for-13 from downtown, led all scorers with 31
points.

DePaul suffered a late-game drought, surrendering a head-spinning 15-1
spurt they were never able to recover from.

The last thing this team of young guns can do is put their heads down.
They came into this tournament with nothing to lose and scored a solid
upset, sending Cincinnati home packing.

Jerry Wainwright chose the path this young team is on. He opted not to
recruit any players on the junior college circuit and instead build for
the future.

The momentum-pendulum was swinging their way at full force when Keno
Davis picked up a technical with 8:32 remaining.

In a topsy-turvey game that was accompanied by a great March
atmosphere, the seniors staved off a good show by the sophomores.

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PROVIDENCE HEADS TO BIG EAST TOURNAMENT STILL BUILDING NCAA RESUME

March 6, 2009


The was plenty at stake last night at the Pavilion on the Villanova campus when the Wildcats hosted Providence in the Big East regular season finale for both clubs. A win for 'Nova would clinch a cherished top-four finish in the Big East standings. For the Friars, a win would go a long way in putting them on the right side of the NCAA Tournament bubble.

With the emotion and energy of their fans honoring seniors Dwayne Anderson, Shane Clark, Dante Cunningham and Frank Tchuisi, all playing their final home game, Villanova Cruises to Win and Byes (Philadelphia Inquirer) in rounds one and two of the Big East Tournament by locking up fourth place in the conference with a 97-80 win over PC.

Junior Scottie Reynolds led the Wildcats with 23 points and Cunningham and Anderson made their final appearance in the Pavillion, where Villanova has won 28 straight, memorable by scoring 19 points a piece as Villanova Earns Byes and Nearly a Week Off With Win over Providence (Philly Daily News). 'Nova's next action will come Thursday in the 2009 Big East Tournament with a 2 PM game at Madison Square Garden.

Sophomores Corey Fisher (13 points) and Corey Stokes (11 points) also reached double figures and junior Reggie Redding led the unselfish Wildcats with 11 assists and zero turnovers. As a team, Jay Wright's squad had an impressive 26:7 assist to turnover ratio in the contest with assists on 74% of their made field goals.

By contrast, Providence turned the ball over 22 times and helped lead to VU getting 17 more field goal attempts in the game as the Friars Miss Chance Make their Case for an NCAA Bid (Providence Journal) and will likely have work to do in next week's Big East Tournament to keep from falling off the bubble and into the NIT. For now, the Friars take Aim at Winning the Big East Tournament (Providence Journal) in which they will be seeded anywhere between 6th and 8th depending on Saturday's outcomes for Syracuse and West Virginia.

Weyinmi Efejuku continued to have a hot hand for the Friars, finishing with a game-high 29 points. Sharaud Curry and Jonathan Kale each scored 14, with Kale also adding 11 rebounds for PC.

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PROVIDENCE BUILDS RESUME FOR NCAA'S

March 2, 2009



Providence showed little sign of a letdown from their monumental upset of No. 1 Pittsburgh earlier in the week as they led host Rutgers 62-43 with 8:35 remaining in their Big East conference match-up on Sunday afternoon.

However, the Scarlet Knights did not go away without a fight as they embarked on a 16-0 run in the next five and a half minutes to cut the lead to 62-59 with three-minutes left. After a PC timeout, Jeff Xavier's Three-Pointer Thwarts Rutgers' Rally (Providence Journal) as PC wins 73-66. Xavier's 25-footer was the lone field goal made by the Friars in the last 8:35 of the game.

Weyinmi Efejuku led PC with 28 points and Xaiver added 13. PC's Reward is a Bye in the Big East Tournament (Providence Journal) as their two-game sweep over UC guarantees them a finish no-worse than 8th in the Big East.

Will a bigger reward such as an invite to the NCAA Tournament be forthcoming as well? The Friars close out their regular season Thursday night with a game at Villanova. With a 10-7 record in the Big East, which includes a win over No. 1 Pitt, a road win against a ranked 'Nova could punch their ticket. Otherwise, they might have some work to do next week at the 2009 Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden, which could be a virtual play-in game against Cincinnati or Notre Dame, the two most-likely candidates to be the #9 seed.

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MONSTER RESUME BUILDER: PROVIDENCE UPSEND NO. 1 PITT

February 25, 2009


It was a big night in Providence Tuesday as the Friars Shock No. 1 Pittsburgh (Pawtucket Times), 81-73, and but themselves in serious position to claim an NCAA Tournament bid.

Things looked bleak for the Friars and their chances for an invite to the Big Dance following a Saturday afternoon 103-84 home loss to Notre Dame. However, in front of 11,887 fans who turned out for 'Senior Night' to honor the Friar seniors Geoff McDermott, Jonathan Kale, Weyinmi Efejuku, Jeff Xavier and Randall Hanke, Pittsburgh never seemed to be into it mentally as the Dismal Panthers Were Held Down by Turnovers (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) and mental lapses defensively right from the beginning, falling behind 15-4 early on. After battling back to within 29-25 on a DeJuan Blair jump-hoop, Providence finished the first half on a 15-1 run to take a 44-26 halftime lead and stretched it to 20, 46-26, in the opening minute of the second half.

With all the pregame talk centered around Pitt sophomore center Blair, PC seniors Kale and Hanke Turn the Tables on the Powerhouse Blair (Providence Journal), especially during the dominant first half. Kale (13 points) and Hanke (10) combined for 23 points and 7 rebounds in 42 minutes of action between the two of them. Blair led Pitt with 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, but committed five turnovers and fouled out in the final moments of the game.

Pitt closed the gap to 75-70 in the late stages of the game, but it was too little too late as Some One-upmanship of the Friars (Providence Journal) turned the tables on the Panthers. Pitt game into the game with the nation's second-best assist to turnover ratio, but PC forced 18 Panther turnovers to just 12 team assists while PC was credited with 18 assists against just 9 turnovers. The Friars also chewed up the Pitt defense for 43 points in the paint, a stat usually reversed when Pittsburgh meets Providence.

Senior Weyinmi Efejuku had a team-high 16 points for PC while junior Sharaud Curry added 15. Another senior, Geoff McDermott, added 11 points and 6 assists in the game.

The win moved the Friars to 9-7 in the Big East and they finish up with road games against Rutgers and Villanova prior to the 2009 Big East Tournament in New York City.

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FRIARS WARM UP IN SOUTH FLORIDA, SNAP SKID

February 11, 2009


South Florida had hoped to build some momentum after their stunning 57-56 upset over Marquette last Friday night when they welcomed Providence into the Sun Dome Tuesday night for a Big East conference match-up. Instead, USF Crashes to Earn, Falls to Providence (Tampa Tribune) 77-62.

The Bulls Momentum Disappears Quickly Yet Again (Tampa Tribune) as USF fails to win back-to-back Big East games for the first time in their 61-game history of Big East play. The Bulls' lack of depth, PC's bench outscored USF's 35-6, lack of inside muscle, guard Dominique Jones was the USF leading rebounder with 8 and lack of overall shot-making ability, the Bulls were 5-16 from the foul-line and 3-19 from three-point range, all came front and center as USF Deflates in Home Loss to Providence (St. Pete Times).

The Friars snap a three-game losing streak as Providence Romps at South Florida (Providence Journal) behind the strength of their 51% shooting from the field. After USF cut the lead to 62-57 with 4:15 to go, a 13-2 run by PC put the game out of reach.

Jonathan Kale had a team-high 15 points along with 9 rebounds for PC and Randall Hanke and Marshon Brooks each scored 14 off the bench. Sharaud Curry added 11 points and in doing so, Curry Becomes the Fifth Current Friar to Join 1,000-Point Club (Providence Journal) and 42nd in the program's history.

Providence, 7-5 in the Big East, hosts Rutgers this weekend looking to make it two straight wins before a trip to Louisville next Wednsesday.

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PROVIDENCE DROPS THIRD STRAIGHT GAME

February 7, 2009


It looks like the Alex Ruoff shooting slump might be over as the West Virginia senior guard scored a game-high 24 points as the Mountaineers rout Providence, 86-59, in Big East action on Saturday afternoon.

Ruoff connected on six of seven three's and Da'Sean Butler Did it for Mountaineers and WVU Does in PC (Providence Journal) in thwarting a Friars' rally midway through the second half. Butler finished with 17 points and 9 rebounds, but his key moments in the second half made PC clear that it was not going to be their day.

The Friars were just 3-18 from three-point range, all three makes by Jeff Xavier who had a team high 15 points. PC senior Randall Hane Joins 1,000-point Club (Providence Journal) with a bucket to tie the game at 4-4 early on. It was Hanke's only two points of the day. He had two on the day and now has 1,001 in his career.

WVU evened their record at 5-5 in the Big East while PC is now 6-5, losing three straight and giving up over 91 points a game in the losing streak.

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FRIARS OUTSCORED AT HOME IN LOSS TO 'NOVA

February 5, 2009


This one was not looking like it was going to come down to the wire, but Villanova Escapes Providence With a Win (Philadelphia Daily News) after PC's Furious Rally Falls Just Short Against Villanova (Providence Journal), 94-91.

Villanova seemed in control of this one throughout, leading 49-34 at the half and stretched it to as much as 20 in the second half before Providence began to rally. The Friars cut the lead to just a point, 92-91, on a Weyinmi Efejuku three-pointer with two second left. However, the Wildcats were able to get the ball into the hands of Scottie Reynolds who sunk two free throws and PC did not get off a final shot before the buzzer.

The Cats Hang on to Post a Victory Over Providence (Philadelphia Inquirer) with the junior Reynolds scoring 31, making 13 of 15 from the foul line. Senior Dwayne Anderson added 19 points and 10 rebounds and Dante Cunningham and Reggie Redding each provided 12 points and 11 rebounds as 'Nova won the battle of the boards, 50-38.

This is one that will hurt PC, a team in need of resume building wins if they are going to make a case for the NCAA Tournament. Home Wasn't Sweet for the Friars on this Night (Providence Journal) and protecting your home court is rule #1 in building your NCAA resume.

Sharaud Curry and Weyinmi Efejuku spear-headed the late rally with three's and attacking the basket. Curry finished with 25 and Efejuku scored 21 of his 23 in the second half. Jeff Xavier scored 22.

The Friars have allowed 94 points defensively in each of their last three games, losing two. In the game before that, SHU scored 93 in the PC overtime victory (98-93).

PC now hits the road for dates at West Virginia and South Florida in hopes of improving their 6-4 conference record.

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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.

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FRIARS IMPROVE TO 5-2 IN BIG EAST, KEEP SHU WINLESS

January 23, 2009

The losses continue to pile up for Seton Hall as they let a very winnable game against Providence virtually slip through their fingers in the last possession of regulation as the Friars escape Newark (NJ) with a 98-93 overtime victory.

In what seemed like a game of Survivor, the Friars Outlast and Outwit SHU by attacking the basket and causing three Pirates to be DQ'd because of fouls (Paul Gause, Robert Mitchell and John Garcia), eliminating nearly any chance SHU had in the extra session.

With both teams settling for perimter jumpers in the first half, PC went to the foul line six times compared to five for SHU. Late in the game and in overtime, PC went to attacking the basket and finished 31-42 from the foul line, including 14 (all their points) of 16 in overtime. The Pirates were just 12-22 from the line, including several misses in the final minutes of regulation as Seton Hall Losses to Providence (Star Ledger).

PC have been stung by many close losses in the Big East the last few years, maybe now the Friars are Learning to Assert Themselves in the Big East (Providence Journal. At 5-2 in Big East play, So Far, So Good, but Schedule Gets Tough for PC (Providence Journal) with Syracuse, Connecticut, Villanova and West Virginia representing an upcoming gauntlet.

Jeff Xaiver led PC with 20 points, including five of seven three's. Weyinmi Efejuku added 19 points, Marshon Brooks added 14, Jonathan Kale had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Sharaud Curry added 13 points in PC's balanced attack. Geoff McDermott (9 points) connected on the final of two free throws with 10 seconds left in regulation to tie the game at 84.

Seton Hall had a chance to win in regulation after McDermott's free throw, but Eugene Harvey (11 points, 7 assists) was stripped of the ball and SHU did not get a shot, or a pass, off in the final posession. It was a strange play, as Harvey casually brough the ball up the court as the other Pirates watched. SHU looked totally unprepared for a game-end situation, and they had a timeout remaining...

Jeremy Hazell scored 30 for the Pirates and hit three's in bunches to help SHU rally from deficits of 14 (ist half) and 8 (second half) quickly. Robert Mitchell had 20, but was just 10-24 from the floor before fouling out. Paul Gause was excellent with 19 points (6-7 from field and 5-6 from '3') as well as 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Notes:

-Seton Hall is 0-6 in the Big East. Worst start in conference play since 0-7 in 1985-1986. They hope to avoid that fate with a home date against ranked Georgetown on Saturday.

-NJIT has more wins in 2009 than SHU and Rutgers, the state of New Jersey reps of the Big East, combined. The Pirates and Knights are both 0-6 in league play.

-PC held a 41-30 rebounding edge and connected on 11-20 three's.

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PROVIDENCE IMPROVES TO 4-2 IN BIG EAST

The Big East snuck another game onto Monday night's schedule as Cincinnati and Providence completed their home and home series. The result was very familiar to the first meeting on January 7th as the Friars Bear Down and come out on top, this time by a 72-63 score.

Senior Randall Hanke Fuels Friars' Second-Half Charge past UC (Providence Journal), scoring 11 of his 15 points after intermission. With the score kntted at 38-all with 14:38 left, the Bearcats Fade in Second Half (Cincinnati Enquirer) as Deonta Vaughn can't get on track offensively while the Friars finally do.

PC made Vaughn the focal point of their defensive scheme and Deonta Can't Have Way (Enquirer) and was held to just six points on 3-9 shooting and he committed five turnovers.

Also supporting Hanke was Jonathan Kale with 14 points and 7 rebounds and Geoff McDermott stuffed the stat sheet full with 7 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 5 blocks.

Mike Williams led UC with 21 points, but with Vaughn and freshman Yancy Gates (6-17 from the floor) struggling, the Bearcats did not have enough offense and fell to a disappointing 2-4 in the conference.

The win pushed the Friars to a 4-2 mark in the Big East.

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