Providence men’s basketball escapes another non-conference scare from Hampton, here’s how

PROVIDENCE — Providence men’s basketball escaped another early-season game.

Close wins against non-conference foes instill little confidence and through three games downtown, the Friars managed just one convincing victory. Providence’s timely 3s, bench sparks from deep within its rotation and a heightened defensive effort were enough to dispatch Hampton at the Amica Mutual Pavilion.

But any progress made in the team’s second game against Stonehill was erased in the first 20 minutes of a 60-51 win on Tuesday night against the Pirates.

Nov 12, 2024; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Jayden Pierre (1) looks to shoot against the Hampton Pirates during the first half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Christ Essandoko was relegated to just nine minutes after registering 28 and 14 in the opening contests. Jabri Abdur-Rahim managed just 15 minutes and two points against Hampton despite leading the Friars in scoring against Stonehill.

Providence coach Kim English said Abdur-Rahim wasn’t nursing an injury and didn’t elaborate on Essandoko’s second-half absence. But the second-year bench boss said the team will find its best five soon enough.

“We’re going to be able to find five that are tough enough,” English said. “Now I’ll call time outs if they need rest. We are incredibly deep, we have a lot of players, but if there’s not separation and playing hard enough in that depth, that rotation will shrink.

“On Saturday [against Green Bay], the tough players will play.”

Nov 12, 2024; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars forward Eli DeLaurier (12) defends against Hampton Pirates forward Kyrese Mullen (3) during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Related: How Providence men’s basketball survived an upset bid by Central Connecticut State

Providence trailed 30-22 at halftime, but Wesley Cardet turned in a steal and added a 3-pointer in the opening minute. Jayden Pierre…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/providence-mens-basketball-escapes-another-125909109.html

Author : The Providence Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-13 12:59:00

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