How Providence men’s basketball ousted Green Bay in the second half

PROVIDENCE — A game after having its toughness questioned, Providence men’s basketball responded accordingly.

Bensley Joseph pulled down the first offensive rebound in a second-half sequence against Green Bay. Wesley Cardet’s second-chance look was corralled by Rich Barron as he was fouled inside.

Barron then capped the possession at the line, in a game that was already in hand, and that sequence is usually left as a box score note. But Providence out-rebounded Green Bay, its physicality was unmatched and it showed in the final 20 minutes.

Nov 16, 2024; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Jayden Pierre (1) and Green Bay Phoenix guard Ben Tweedy (6) battle for the ball during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

It’s what Big East teams can do in early non-conference games, but Providence hadn’t displayed such physicality through three contests. The Friars flipped a switch in the second half on Saturday night for a 79-65 finish and the 11,927 in attendance at the Amica Mutual Pavilion enjoyed an unseasonably warm night downtown.

“These games have been a lot of really good reps for us that we haven’t gotten,” Providence coach Kim English said. “But they’re reps in a time where the most important thing is to win the game. It’s some harsh lessons, but we’re making steps in the right direction.”

Jayden Pierre (7-10 shooting) finished with a team-high 18 points in 31 minutes as Providence (4-0) went small and still managed 15 offensive rebounds (12 in the second half). Pierre, Cardet, Joseph and Corey Floyd Jr. all crossed 30 minutes in the four-guard lineup. The Friars’ 12-0 run, sparked by Ryan Mela’s spin and finish in the lane, handed Providence a 55-50 advantage with 11:47 to play.

Nov 16, 2024; Providence, Rhode Island, USA; Providence Friars guard Bensley Joseph (7) dribbles the ball against the Green Bay Phoenix during the second half at Amica Mutual Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/providence-mens-basketball-ousted-green-041242662.html

Author : The Providence Journal

Publish date : 2024-11-17 04:12:00

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