PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Even before Friday night’s 69-68 loss at cross-town rival Brown, there were reasons to be concerned about Providence. There were reasons to believe that the team’s record was more a reflection of a team over-achieving and playing a light, home-heavy non-conference schedule than that of a team primed to contend in the Big East. And as Big East play beckons, those reasons for concern are right there for all to see and were reflected in the post-game press conference, where an often upbeat and spirited Ed Cooley was nowhere to be found. Instead, a clearly frustrated and subdued Cooley addressed reporters.
“We found a way to lose again on the road,” said the Providence mentor.
Cooley was in no mood to talk about the big night sophomore forward LaDontae Henton had at the offensive end, or the show he put on in the second half. At one point, Henton scored 24 straight Providence points en route to a career-high 37 on the night. Henton was 6-10 from long range after coming into the night shooting just 22.6 percent from long range.
“LaDontae was gross defensively, he was the worst defender in the building,” said Cooley. “LaDontae couldn’t guard an ant in ant building.”
It was a markedly different tone than the one he has often been able to take this season.
Henton also committed a crucial turnover after Brown cut the lead to 67-63 with a three-pointer. The Bears got a quick three-pointer off that, and suddenly it was a one-point game with plenty of time to try for a turnover before having to foul.
Providence ran out to an 8-2 start on the season with a six-game winning streak highlighting things. They did so with a limited bench, but played excellent defense, limiting all but one opponent to less than 40 percent shooting from the field. But they also did this against a light schedule, beating no team that is a lock for the NCAA Tournament along the way. They also did it with no true road games before losing at Boston College last Saturday. Now they have two straight losses on the road with the Big East opener coming on the road.
Personnel continues to be a challenge for Providence, but for different reasons. Whereas those issues earlier in the year were such that the numbers were limited, now it’s hurting chemistry as there not the same group of players consistently on the floor.
“It’s hard having new pieces every game,” said Henton. “We should be able to pull through it.”
Providence got Vincent Council back on Friday, which means they finally are close to having as much of their whole team as they will all season. Council had missed all but the season opener with a hamstring injury, and without the three-year starter the Friars were pressed at the point since Kris Dunn was out until two games earlier. Still, the Friars were without Bryce Cotton, who leads the Big East in scoring and scored 33 points at Boston College but aggravated a right knee injury he previously had.
“It’s been our story – have a player, lose a player, have a player, lose a player,” said Cooley. “We’ve got way too many moving pieces.”
Council played 38 minutes, but Cooley said he was cramping up late in the game. That probably didn’t help when he went to the line in the final minute and missed the second free throw, setting up what would prove to be the game-winning three-pointer. He had nine assists with just two turnovers, but was only 1-8 from the field. Most of all, he didn’t seem like much of a factor on the floor for a lot of the game. He will be better as he gets back in shape, and nine assists with two turnovers isn’t a bad night.
Providence was unable to hold Boston College below 40 percent, although it was a close call as the Eagles shot 40.7 percent. Brown shot 50 percent on Friday, including 13-27 from long range. Prior to Friday night, no team had made more than seven three-pointers in a game against them. So it’s clear that Cooley’s concerns about defense are well-founded and not just from this game. It’s now on the verge of becoming a trend.
Big East play is all that is ahead for Providence, starting at Louisville on Wednesday night. The Friars will have to go on the road more and play tougher competition, so we’re going to see what they’re made of. There is reason for hope, as they are hopeful that Cotton will return, giving them as close to their entire team as they will have all year.
“We’ve got everybody now, everybody’s going to play the next game,” said Henton. “Hopefully we can get these practices in and practice well.”
Providence held up admirably well for much of non-conference with a limited roster. They pulled out a couple of wins and had convincing wins in other cases. Now they have most of their team back, and while it’s better to have more players available, it’s not as if there is no adjustment to getting players healthy again. And if their first two road games are any indication, there is reason for concern going forward.
