While all didn’t go smoothly during the nonconference season for the Providence Friars, they certainly began Big East play in style, running past St. John’s 94-72.
Getting their senior playmaking point guard Kyron Cartwright back healthy, the Friars controlled the second half after taking a one point lead into halftime. It’s easy to see how important he is, as the Friars looked confident offensively, shooting nearly 55 percent in the game. Cartwright finished with 21 points and 15 assists.
Cartwright with the shot from Federal Hill #GoFriars pic.twitter.com/khgJQjkKek
— PC Men’s Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) December 29, 2017
Fellow seniors Jalen Lindsey and Rodney Bullock were also key to getting PC off to a 1-0 start in the Big East. Bullock scored 20 points on an efficient 8 for 11 night from the field while Lindsey hit six of ten 3-pt FG attempts for 18 points. Overall, the Friars were 16 for 30 from deep, with 11 of those coming in the second half as they took control of the game and never relented.
An addition to Cartwright, Alpha Diallo was also questionable to play. He contributed a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 37 minutes of action for Ed Cooley’s team.
Next up, Providence will face Top-25 Creighton in Omaha before their Big East home opener on January 3rd vs Marquette at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center.
Friars win big east opener! On to Creighton! #GoFriars pic.twitter.com/iUFmeCNpU5
— PC Men’s Basketball (@PCFriarsmbb) December 29, 2017
