| Team | 1st Qtr | 2nd Qtr | 3rd Qtr | 4th Qtr | FINAL |
| Providence Friars | 28 | 24 | 27 | 24 | 103 |
| Madrid All-Stars | 16 | 20 | 13 | 21 | 70 |
The Providence Friars are on a three-game pre-season tour of Spain and started things off against the Madrid All-Stars this Friday, the first time playing together under Kim English against a team made up of non-Friars. The result was a resounding 103-70 victory over a team that recently lost to Illinois by just 11 points earlier this month, 84-73. This Spain trip marks the first time the Friars have played abroad since 2018 in Italy and the first time visiting Spain since 1977.
The Friars were led in scoring by Corey Floyd Jr. with 17 points, including 5/8 from distance and tied for a team-high in assists with 5 (and no turnovers). Even though we are only able to get a look at the highlights, Floyd looked extremely comfortable with the ball in his hands and his shot is still as smooth as butter. His confidence looks like it took a step forward, along with his game, and he just looks calm on the court. If there was another player who was challenging Floyd for the most impressive first impression for the upcoming season, I don’t know how you could name anyone other than Rafael Castro. Castro was a perfect 8/8 from the floor for 16 points and took down 9 boards in the process. He looked like a gazelle running the floor and scored a variety of ways at the rim. Kim English’s style of play appears to suit his game perfectly, at least on our first glimpse.
Garwey Dual’s defense looks exactly as advertised and I’m not sure how any guard in the league is going to get by him off of the dribble. Providence has depth at the 5 spot for the first time in a while with multiple guys being able to clean up the glass and impose their physicality down low. Madrid looked a bit on the smaller side so I’d like to see what they can do against a more physical team but it’s a hell of a good start. Will McNair tallied 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Josh Oduro notched 10 points and 3 boards. The two shot a combined 8/13 from the floor. I did catch a lineup out there with Hopkins playing the three and Castro at the four which was quite intriguing and I would LOVE to see Castro at the 4 without the responsibilities of having to guard someone much stronger in the post.
Some other quick things.
- I am going to LOVE Ticket Gaines. I just know it.
- Jayden Pierre, much like Floyd and Castro, looks like he has taken his game to another level.
- Bryce Hopkins is looking svelte. I love that word…svelte.
- I desperately want to see some more Donovan Santoro. I saw some flashes there and boy, oh boy, did I like them.
- Bryce Hopkins is so good that a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds is almost looked over.
- I see you Kieren and Luke. Don’t think I don’t.
- The Friars shot 14/31 from three, good for 45.2%. English Ball.
- Providence also out-rebounded Madrid 47-25, assisted on 23 of their 37 buckets, and did so without Devin Carter, who was out with a wrist injury.
Post Game:
The Friars will play Valencia on Monday, August 21st at 1 P.M. EST.
GO LOS FRIARS!!!
The Morning Hangover 
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