The Providence Friars are not only finding their stride at the most opportune time, but they also found the Xavier Musketeers at the most opportune time.  Xavier has lost versatile point guard Edmund Sumner for the season to a torn ACL and was without leading scorer Trevon Blueitt, who was sidelined with a balky ankle.

Now, hopefully, the Musketeers can get Blueitt back in their lineup as quick as possible so that maybe everyone will forget he was out for this game, but either way, it’s a quality win for the Friars.  

This makes it two wins against quality opponents in a row following PC’s win over Butler.  The Friars now face an 8-day stretch of off days before going on the road to face a very good Creighton team, albeit a Creighton team who also lost their starting point guard for the year to an ACL.

The Friars were able to close the Xavier gap to 2 points before halftime and then dominated the second half, at one time extending their lead all the way to 18 points.  The Friars outscored the Musketeers by 14 in the second half behind a balanced scoring attack that included 4 players in double figure scoring an a very good 49.2% field goal percentage as a team.

Quick Hits:

• The Friars came with a very balanced offensive attack including a great effort from the bench, with 4 guys scoring in double-figures.
• The real advantage of the game was in the turnover battle.  PC was able to grab 13 steals in the game, contributing to Xavier’s 17 turnovers.  On the flip side, the Friars only had 8 turnovers on the day.  That was able to offset the massive rebounding advantage that Xavier displayed during the game, outrebounding PC 44-29.
• Kyron Cartwright led the Friars in scoring with 17 points on 6-14 shooting.  Although Cartwright wasn’t on target from distance (0-3 from three), he was able to effect the game in a variety of other ways.
• Cartwright took down 7 rebounds, handed out 5 assists, and had 3 steals during the game.  He was a factor in every facet of the game in which Xavier was short on ball handlers.  
• Kyron also has become known for his ability to get a basket at the end of the first half and had his most impressive bucket yet…

Kyron Cartwright knows how to close out halves with the gravity defying hang time #pcbb #xavier #kyroncartwright pic.twitter.com/Ms4nrZyprE

— The Morning Hangover (@TheMorningHang) February 16, 2017

• That was a big basket that brought Providence within 2 points going into halftime.
• Rodney Bullock had one of his best all-around game in a long time.  Bullock had a double-double with 16 points and a team-high 10 rebounds, his 3rd double-double of the year.
• Bullock also had 4 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal.  Here’s to hoping this is the start of Rodney Bullock rounding back into shape so we can ride him through the most important part of the schedule.
• Kalif Young once again got the start but only played 8 minutes in the game.
• Emmitt Holt came off the bench and played starters minutes at the Center position for the Friars.
• Holt had a team-high 4 blocks on the day.
• Emmitt also had my favorite shit-talking display on the year for the Friars.

“This is my house. What the fucks wrong w/you?”

Let ’em know, Emmitt. #pcbb pic.twitter.com/Ubu6oIYLx2

— FʀɪᴀʀTV (@FriarTV) February 16, 2017