Providence Friars 76 (2-0)
Stonehill Skyhawks 49 (1-2)
The Providence College Friars advanced to a 2-0 record with a dominant 76-49 victory over the visiting Stonehill Skyhawks at The Amp. Despite another slow start, the Friars found their rhythm faster than in their season opener against Central Connecticut, taking the lead with 12:07 remaining in the first half and never relinquishing it.
Jabir Abdul-Rahim showcased his shooting touch with 14 of his game-high 16 points coming in the first half, hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in an impressive performance off the bench. With the team nearly at full strength—only Bryce Hopkins remains sidelined—Coach Kim English noted that competition for playing time remains fierce as players battle for roles in the rotation as the season progresses. In a well-rounded team effort, eleven Friars were able to get onto the scoresheet, with every player on the roster seeing action in the game and our first Death Lineup of the season.
Wesley Cardet Jr. was the only other Friar to reach double figures, contributing 12 points while leading the team with 8 rebounds. Cardet Jr. and Abdul-Rahim combined to score 26 of PC’s 44 first half points. As a team, the Friars showcased vast improvements in their shooting, hitting 50% from the field, and dominating the boards, out-rebounding the Skyhawks by a substantial 22, including 12 on the offensive glass. However, they tempered their strong performance by missing 8 of 23 free throws and committing a whopping 21 turnovers.
Game Notes:
- Jabri Abdur-Rahim led all scorers with 16 points, including going 3-for-5 from three, however, I was equally as impressed by the rest of his game on the night. Jabri had an acrobatic put-back off a miss that he converted into an And-1 and the above muscle pose with Bensley Joseph.
- Jabri was rebounding the ball well (6) and playing much more physical on both ends, continually making the unselfish play (2 assists), and showing that he is especially reliable at the line in a game that saw him shoot 5-of-6 while the rest of the team shot a combined 7-of-15.
- Oswin was once again a perfect 2-for-2 from the field and is now 4-for-4 on the year. He might not miss a field goal this entire season the way things are going for him. I’m still infatuated with how he goes up and attacks the ball on rebounds with his insane athleticism.
- Even though the Friars have a much bigger frontcourt than they’ve had in past years, with two 7-footers and Oswin with a 30-yard wingspan, I’m surprised that the team hasn’t had more blocks through the first two games of the season. Especially since they’ve played against two teams that have much smaller frontlines. The Friars had 2 blocks in this one and 3 blocks against CCSU, with those 3 all coming from our guards (Pierre, Floyd Jr., & Fernandez).
- Jayden Pierre looked very much like the Jayden Pierre who finished up last season once he was able to settle in during the second half. Per Kim English, Pierre is still on a minutes restriction and played under that threshold against Stonehill.
- Pierre was able to dish out 3 assists in his 18 minutes on the floor and looks to be getting more comfortable with when and where his teammates like the ball on the offensive end.
- Speaking of being more comfortable, Wesley Cardet Jr. looked like a completely different player on the court compared to his debut as a Friar. He was able to get those first game jitters out of his systems and looked every bit as he advertised once he committed to Providence. Even his shooting stroke appeared to be more fluid as he hit on 5-of-9 shots and 2-5 from distance.
- Cardet’s rebounding was again an added bonus as he secured a game-high 8 rebounds, including 4 of the offensive variety. He has now led the team in rebounding in both games this season and is averaging 7.5 rebounds per game on the young season. To put that in perspective for Cadet, in his two years at Chicago State, he recorded 9 rebounds just four times, with his next highest total being 7 rebounds in a game.
- Corey Floyd Jr. continues to get great looks at the basket, they’re just not falling right now. Floyd scored 8 points on 3-of-9 shooting and only 1-of-5 from deep. Floyd did make up for it in other ways including 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
- Bensley Joseph took more a backseat offensively following his stellar performance in the season opening game against CCSU where he scored a career-high 21 points. Joseph, like Floyd, still found other ways to have an effect on the game with 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal to go along with his 7 points.
- Joseph was a wee bit shaky with the ball, committing 5 turnovers.
- Damn Ryan Mela. I LOVE this dude’s game. Also, apparently it’s pronounced MEE-LA. So, that’s something. I might have to just start going on a first name basis with the team this year after Oswin, Christ, and Jabri. Nevermind, there is NO FUCKING WAY I’m calling him Anton instead of Bonke. No way.
- Mela was not afraid of his first collegiate moments in the slightest. Just as a noted once I watched his highlights when he committed to Friartown, he is an elite finisher at the rim.
- In just 11 minutes, the tenth most playing time on the team, Mela posted a stat line of 7 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist.
- Mela, Nilavan Daniels, and Anton Bonke all made their Friar debut and all recorded their first points.
- Bonke has a natural feel for the game for someone who has barely played organized basketball and a smooth stroke for a guy who stands 7’2” as he made both of his free throws and made them look good while doing it.
- Daniels is much skinnier than I though but had a really nice drive for his first bucket. I’m excited to see how he develops in Providence.
- Christ Essandoko once again came off the bench in back-up duty to Oswin but still saw about the same amount of time on the floor. Kim English mentioned that he wants to try out some lineups with 2 of the bigs on the court at the same time and now I’m dying to see what that would look like now that I know it’s inevitable.
- Speaking of different lineups, how about the one in the first half that saw Jabri at the 5 spot. That could be what it looks like with Hopkins once he gets back.
- Essandoko took advantage down low whenever he got the ball in the post but was once again skittish with the ball at moments, making some ill-advised passes that ended up in the hands of the defense to the tune of 4 more turnovers.
- Rich Barron is still trying to find his shooting stroke but already seems to be taking the ball to the rack more than he did last season.
- The same can be said about Justyn Fernandez who almost had a spectacular block that he was called for a foul on.
- It was nice to see Eli DeLaurier back on the court after missing the majority of last season with a foot injury.
- First Death Lineup of the season with Luke Fonts and Kieran O’Haire closing out the win. While neither was able to get up a shot, O’Haire did record a defensive rebound…and Fonts was tagged with a turnover. Hey, a stat is a stat.
- Speaking of Death Lineups, how about these guys…
- The game was Kim English’s 100th as a Head Coach where his overall record now stands at 57-43.
- Yes, I know it’s only two games, but the Friars are holding opponents to 20.7% shooting from three (6-for-29) and just 6 assists per game. On the other hand, they’re turning the ball over a stupid 18.5 times per game.
Post-Game Press Conference…
Up Next, the Friars continue their home stand against Hampton on Tuesday for their first meeting ever. The game will be at 6:30 PM on FS1.
The Morning Hangover 