This resurgence of an ancient Big East rivalry may initially seem more like an arranged union.
Providence College hoped to be included in the NCAA Tournament field and hear its name called. Since its football-driven transfer to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) prior to the 2005–06 season, Boston College has been cut off from the rest of the region.
Tuesday night’s NIT opener between the Friars and Eagles may mean the difference between victory and defeat for the hosts if they had a few more hours to deal with their disappointment. When the ball is tossed up between these two teams for the first time in six years, athletic instincts should prevail even if Providence may only have a limited squad available for the 7 p.m. tip at Amica Mutual Pavilion.
Providence coach Kim English remarked, “It’s obviously a little deflating to know your fate was sealed last night.” As after a loss, you have a few hours to air your grievances. After allowing it to ache until midnight, it’s time to let it go.
The Friars were eliminated from the anticipated 68-team field for just the third time since 2014, largely due to bid stealers and the popped bubbles that went along with them. One of those seasons, 2018–19, began with a victory over Boston College in OT and concluded with the program’s final NIT berth. In a thrilling 100-95 victory at Conte Forum, rookie guard A.J. Reeves had a breakthrough game on the perimeter while Nate Watson recorded a double-double off the bench.
Josh Oduro, a forward for Providence, remarked, “Just next man up.” We haven’t addressed that issue this season. We’ll take that on head-on and eagerly anticipate Boston College.
In the second half of a 79-68 loss against Marquette in the Big East Tournament semifinals, Devin Carter’s left ankle injury worsened. The fact that no player on Providence’s roster has done more to boost his professional stock this season has further complicated his situation in light of an impending NBA Draft selection. After suffering a lower right leg injury over the past three weeks and striking his head on the Madison Square Garden floor with 7:04 remaining in the Golden Eagles game, Rich Barron (undisclosed) has already been declared out.
English stated, “Every player always wants to play more.” “They bemoan the lack of playing time every time. Alright, now that you have it. I’m interested in seeing how you plan to use extended minutes.
Oduro is playing in his first playoff match in his five years of college basketball, and teammate Ticket Gaines is playing in his second, having played little in Tennessee’s 2021 March Madness loss to Oregon State. A year ago, Corey Floyd Jr. and Jayden Pierre both played off the bench in a 61-53 loss to Kentucky, which also happened to be Ed Cooley’s last game with the Friars.
“I consider Wisconsin’s participation and success in the NIT last season, as well as their entry into this season with some experience and success,” English remarked. “I think that these players getting to play postseason basketball is fantastic. Simply put, more repetitions and playing time.
The Eagles (19-15) defeated Virginia in overtime after winning two games in their conference tournament. Quinten Post, a big player, and Jaeden Zackery and Mason Madsen, two guards with excellent shooting skills, are the squad’s main threats. Richmond, St. John’s, and Clemson are three teams that the team has defeated. Boston College’s at least one more win would have helped Providence (21-13), as the Cavaliers were one of the last at-large teams chosen for the NCAA tournament.
“It was regrettable,” stated Oduro. “I believe we accomplished enough to qualify for the competition. In my opinion, our league already had enough teams to accommodate more.
“It is what it is.” We’re excited to compete to the best of our abilities in the NIT.
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