Villanova Notes

Thoughts after a second straight game in which the Friars played a top 10 team tight deep into the second half.

• PC scored 81 points on 38.7% shooting.  This coming on the heels of 34% against Georgetown - you have to wonder how Providence fares with a few more offensive options playing this system.  They had a chance in both of these games and shot the ball horribly.
• The defense is showing signs of improvement, but was exposed in the 2nd half against both Villanova and Georgetown.  Both teams shot 61% from the field in the 2nd half.
• Talent wins in the Big East and never was that more apparent than this week.  First, Greg Monroe picks apart the Friars, leading the Hoyas back from 7 down, and Scottie Reynolds scorched them on Saturday. 
• Anyone else remember the Marshon Brooks that came up with a game winning block at Cincinnati and hounded Jimmy Baron after he shot the lights out in the first half?  It will be interesting to see how Brooks bounces back from a disappointing junior season.  His decision making offensively has led to momentum killing breakouts time and again.  It wouldn't be so frustrating if he didn't have the ability.  I'd take an 11 point per game scorer who covered the opposition's best defender.  Would he?
• Speaking of decision making, Jamine Peterson will shoot up from good to great if he ever learns to give the ball up at the appropriate time and take better shots.  Yes, the jump from his freshman season is remarkable, but for this team to make a bubble push next season they will need better decisions, especially with Sharaud Curry leaving.
• Curry has his flaws, and certainly his detractors, but he's been a solid four year player at Providence.  He hit huge 3s in the first half when it looked as though the Friars were falling out of the game and when he fouled out Providence really missed him offensively.  Many will play the "he gives up more than he scores" card with Curry, but there aren't many players on this roster than you can't say that about.  He's averaging 18 ppg, on 89% from the free throw line and 43% from 3 in Big East play.  Numbers that won't be easy to replace next year, especially on a team lacking shooters.  Maybe Joe Young replaces him as our shooter next year and starts 23 games, scores 11.9 per game, shoots 36% from 3, and 89% from the FT line - Curry's freshman year numbers.
• Bilal Dixon had a thunderous dunk that sent him to the deck and not a single teammate checked to see if he was okay, chest bumped him, or even acknowledged the play.  Not saying that is a good or bad thing, just not the reaction you see from most college kids when their teammate makes such a nice play.  You be the judge below (props to Friarblog for posting the video)
• Great timeout by Keno Davis with under 2 minutes to play.  Providence was down 9, the game was slipping away, and the shot clock was running down.  Keno calls a timeout, the Dixon dunked ensued, and Providence closed to within two buckets heading into halftime.
• Bad shots and all, this team plays with a lot of fight.  They went down 11-3 early and came right back, trailed by 9 late in the first half and took a 42-40 lead early in the second, and regained the lead with a 7-0 run after trailing 46-42.  It was this kind of fight that Tim Welsh's teams seemed to lack, which keep me believing that Keno is going to get it done here.
• Another solid outing for Vincent Council and Dixon.  Dixon got to the line seven times in the first half and didn't miss a shot from the field, while Council filled the stat sheet, most notably by getting to the line nine times.
• West Virginia might be Providence's best shot at a victory during this run of top 10 teams.  They aren't particularly tall and don't put a ton of points up on the board.  If only they weren't coming to town off of back to back losses.
• Kyle Wright gave PC decent minutes early, but faded late.  Might be a better option than Brian McKenzie at this point.
• Word is, Shabazz Napier doesn't have a final list yet and things will become clearer once the season ends.  Here's hoping Providence's early work pays off.
• Big shot at redemption for Gerard Coleman February 22 at Brewster. 
• Speaking of Brewster, Naadir Tharpe's squad won an 80-79 thriller over a good New Hampton Prep team and takes on Northfield Mount Hermon and Winchendon next week.  Winchendon defeated Brewster in overtime two weeks ago.