Providence Friars
Big East (19-12, 12-6)
In mid-February Providence was sitting at 13-12. Their RPI was pretty good since the Big East is very tough, but they had a rough road ahead of them. The Friars then beat Seton Hall, Marquette and Villanova, sparking not just a boost to the RPI, but also a much needed boost to the record. Providence is on a roll right now, but this is a program that has won just one postseason game in the last six seasons, including a first round loss in the NIT last season.
Big Wins: 2/5 Creighton (73-56), 2/15 Seton Hall (74-71), 2/29 at Villanova (58-54)
Bad Losses: 11/13 at Northwestern (63-72), 11/23 Penn (75-81), 11/28 vs Long Beach State (65-66)
Coach: Ed Cooley
Why They Can Surprise:
One way or another, Providence will often get more possessions than their opponents. The team as a whole is solid in the rebounding department and will create plenty of turnovers. The player who leads the charge in both of those departments is Alpha Diallo. The big 6-7 senior guard is averaging 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and nearly a block per game. The frontcourt duo of Nate Watson and Kyle Young do not get much attention on this team, but both are solid rebounders and Watson is the team’s best interior scoring threat as well.
Why They Can Disappoint:
Even if Providence gets a few more possessions than their opponents, they still have to score points and knock down some shots. Across the board this team can have trouble shooting the ball. David Duke has been by far the most consistent three-point shooter on the team, but he has been more consistent outside the arc than inside. Luwane Pipkins has had some great scoring outings, like when he dropped 27 at Villanova, but he often drags down the shooting percentage. If Duke, Pipkins, Maliek White and A.J. Reeves can be a little more efficient, this is a Providence team that can score in bunches and do a little damage in the tournament.
Probable Starters:
David Duke, Sophomore, Guard, 12.0 ppg, 3.1 apg, 4.2 rpg, 1.5 spg
Luwane Pipkins, Senior, Guard, 10.8 ppg, 2.8 apg
A.J. Reeves, Sophomore, Guard, 7.4 ppg, 1.2 apg
Alpha Diallo, Senior, Guard, 14.1 ppg, 2.5 apg, 7.8 rpg, 1.5 spg
Nate Watson, Junior, Center, 9.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg
Key Role Players:
Kalif Young, Senior, Forward, 5.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg
Maliek White, Senior, Guard, 7.8 ppg, 2.5 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 71.4 (166th in nation, 7th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 66.2 (84, 2)
Field-Goal Percentage: 41.3 (302, 9)
Field-Goal Defense: 41.7 (101, 7)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.3 (175, 5)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 33.2 (185, 7)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.4 (224, 8)
Rebound Margin: 2.3 (115, 5)
Assists Per Game: 14.4 (77, 7)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.5 (209, 7)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
| 2019 | NIT | First Round loss to Arkansas |
| 2018 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Texas A&M |
| 2017 | NCAA | Opening Round loss to USC |
| 2016 | NCAA | Round of 64 win over USC |
| 2016 | NCAA | Round of 32 loss to North Carolina |
| 2015 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Dayton |
| 2014 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to North Carolina |
| 2013 | NIT | First Round win over Charlotte |
| 2013 | NIT | Second Round win over Robert Morris |
| 2013 | NIT | Quarterfinal loss to Baylor |
| 2009 | NIT | First Round loss to Miami |
| 2007 | NIT | First Round loss to Bradley |
| 2004 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Pacific |
| 2003 | NIT | Opening Round win over Richmond |
| 2003 | NIT | First Round win over Charleston |
| 2003 | NIT | Second Round loss to Georgetown |
| 2001 | NCAA | Round of 64 loss to Penn State |
*all team stats through 3/8
