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Men's Basketball
vs Late Night Madness
TBA
Providence College Athletics
Tuesday, February 15
Providence, R.I.
8:00 PM
Providence College
vs
Villanova University
Photo by: Ryan Feeney
No. 8/9 Men's Basketball Game Notes Vs. No. 10/10 Villanova
2/14/2022 6:59:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Friars will host Villanova on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on CBS Sports Network.
Friars To Host No. 10/10 Villanova On February 15: The Friars will host No. 10/10 Villanova on Tuesday, February 15 at 8:00 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. The Friars have posted a 41-68 mark all-time versus the Wildcats. The Friars are 26-22 at home, 14-33 on the road and 1-12 on neutral courts all-time against Villanova. The two teams first met on February 15, 1936 with the Friars earning a 46-37 win in Providence. In the first meeting with the Wildcats last season, Villanova earned a 71-56 win on January 23, 2021 at Villanova. In Providence's most recent game versus Villanova, the Friars defeated the Wildcats, 54-52, at Alumni Hall in Providence on March 6, 2021.  Â
Friar Tid Bits:
*Friars' record in unis this season: white (8-1); black (5-0); grey (4-0); throwback white (2-0); throwback black (2-1).
*The Friars missed three games with a Covid pause (12 days) before defeating Georgetown on Jan. 20.
*The Friars are 4-0 vs. ranked teams - (at No. 20 UConn, vs. No. 15 Seton Hall, at No. 21 Xavier, vs. No. 22 Marquette).
*Tuesday will be just the SECOND top-10 matchup all time at the Dunk'. No. 10/10 PC vs. No. 7/8 Xavier, 1/26/16.
*The Friars are 11-1 in BIG EAST play for the first time ever.
*The Friars are 21-2 for the first time since the 1972-73 season.
*The last time the Friars posted a 22-2 mark was the 1972-73 season.
*The Friars have earned 20 wins in a season for the 1st time since 2017-18 and the 6th time under Ed Cooley.
*The Friars have won 20 or more games in a season for the 28th time.
*The Friars have won eight consecutive BIG EAST regular-season games in the same season for the first time ever.
*The last time the Friars won nine consecutive games in the same season was in the 1988-89 season.
*With the win over Marquette on Jan. 30, Ed Cooley posted the 100th BIG EAST win (103-90) of his career.
*As of Feb. 14, the Friars had a Net Ranking of 29, which includes a 5-1 record versus Quad 1 teams.
*The Friars are ranked #8/#9 (ninth week being ranked). The Friars entered the polls at #22/#23 on Dec. 20.
*This is the highest the Friars have been ranked since being #8/#9 on Jan. 4, 2016.
*Prior to entering the poll on Dec. 20, 2021, the last time the Friars had been ranked was Feb. 22, 2016.
*Senior guard AJ Reeves returned vs. Marquette on Jan. 30. He missed five games with a finger injury.
*The Friars have won 16 of their last 17 games. The team has won its last eight games.
*Al Durham ranks SECOND in the nation in free-throws made (141) and ninth in the nation in attempts (167).
*Al Durham leads the BIG EAST in free throws made (141) and attempted (167) and minutes played (35.6).
*Jared Bynum returned vs. UConn (Dec. 18) after missing four games with an ankle injury.
*On Jan. 23 in PC's win over Butler, Ed Cooley surpassed Dave Gavitt as he posted his 210th win.
*Ed Cooley (215-137) trails Joe Mullaney (319-164) for all-time wins as a head coach at Providence.
*On Jan. 8 versus St. John's, Ed Cooley earned his 300th victories (307-206) as a head coach.
*The Friars posted a 6-1 mark in November, a 6-0 mark in December and a 6-1 record in January.
*PC went undefeated (6-0) in December for the second time under Ed Cooley (2015-16 - 7-0).
*With the win over Marquette on Jan. 30, the Friars posted their 600th win all-time at the Dunk' (601-235).
*The Friars are 1-0 vs. the Big 12 this season. The Friars are 2-0 vs. the Big Ten this season.
*Nate Watson was named the 2021-22 BIG EAST Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team.
*Nate Watson was named to a 2021-22 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award Top 10 Finalist.
*The Friars have a team record of five graduate students on the roster this season.
*The average age of the Friars' top seven players is 23.0 years.
*Andrew and Luke Fonts are the first brothers to suit up at the same time for the Friars in 70 years.
Pink Out Friartown: Tuesday's game versus Villanova is presented by Rhode Island Medical Imaging and it will the be the annual Pink Out Friartown game. We encourage all fans to wear pink to support those fighting Breast Cancer. At the under 4-minute media time out of the first half fans will have the opportunity to stand with a sign representing those who are fighting Breast Cancer. Fans can fill out a sign in the concourse lobby of the Dunkin' Donuts Center.
Friars Ranked No. 8/9 In The Nation: The Friar men's basketball team is ranked No. 8 in the Associated Press Poll and No. 9 in the most recent Coaches Poll. Both polls were released on February 14. The Friars, who entered the polls on December 20 at No. 22/23, have been ranked for nine consecutive weeks. The Friars were ranked No. 11/11 in both polls last week and climbed in this week's polls after defeating DePaul, 76-73, in overtime on February 12. The Friars are off to their best start to a season since 1972-73 when they posted a 21-2 mark through the first 23 games. Providence has posted Quad 1 wins at Wisconsin, at home versus Texas Tech, at UConn, at Xavier and at home versus Marquette. The Friars have a NCAA NET ranking of 29.
Bynum Named BIG EAST Player Of The Week: It was announced on February 14 that junior Jared Bynum (Largo, Md.) was named BIG EAST Player of the Week. It marks the second consecutive week that he has earned the league honor. Bynum helped the No. 8/9 Friars post a 1-0 mark last week with a 76-73 overtime win over DePaul on February 12. Bynum came off the bench to score a game-high 25 points in the win. He also grabbed seven rebounds and recorded six assists. He was 4-8 from three-point territory, 5-7 from the free-throw line and 8-15 from the field. Bynum ranks third on the team in scoring at 11.6 ppg. He leads the team in three-point shooting (29-63, .460).
Top-10 Matchup At The Dunk': The Friars will return to action on Tuesday, February 15 versus No. 10/10 Villanova at the Dunkin' Donuts Center at 8:00 p.m. on CBS Sports Network. It will be just the second top-10 matchup all-time at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.  In the one other top-10 game at the Dunkin' Donuts Center, the No. 10/10 Friars were defeated by No. 8/7 Xavier, 75-68, on January 26, 2016. Â
Friars Earn 20 Wins For The First Time Since 2018: With the Friars' 71-52 win at Georgetown on February 6, the team posted its 20th victory of the season. It marks the first time the team earned 20 wins in a season since 2017-18 and the sixth time under Ed Cooley (2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2022). It also marked, the 28th time the Friars have won 20 or more games in a season. In 2016, the Friars registered 24 victories, which is the most wins by a Friar team under Ed Cooley.
Nate Watson Named One Of 10 Finalist For Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award: It was announced on February 4 that graduate student center Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) has been named one of the Top 10 candidates for the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award. Named after Class of 1995 Hall of Famer and three-time NCAA Champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the annual honor in its eighth year recognizes the top centers in men's college basketball. A national committee of college basketball personnel determined the watch list of 20 candidates in November, which has now been narrowed to 10. College basketball fans are encouraged to participate in Fan Voting presented by Dell Technologies in each of the three rounds. In late February, the list will be cut to just 5. In March the five finalists will be presented to Mr. Abdul-Jabbar and the Hall of Fame's selection committee where a winner will be selected. For more information on the 2022 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year Award and the latest updates, log onto www.hoophallawards.com and follow @hoophall and #KareemAward on Twitter and Instagram.
Black Fives Foundation: This year for Black History Month, the Big East Conference is partnering with the Black Fives Foundation to preserve, educate, and honor the pre-NBA history of African Americans in basketball. Beginning February 1, every BIG EAST institution will host a game that celebrates these pioneers in the member school's communities and to highlight their impact on the game of basketball and the community as a whole. Providence will celebrate on February 1 and February 12.
Friars Are 11-1 In BIG EAST Play For First Time Ever: With the Friars' 76-73 overtime win versus DePaul on February 12, the team improved to 11-1 in BIG EAST play. It marks the first time ever that the Friars have started league play with a 11-1 mark.
Athletic Director Bob Driscoll Announces Retirement: Providence College Athletic Director Bob Driscoll announced on January 21 that he will retire in June after serving the College for 21 years. Driscoll has worked in collegiate athletics for 47 years.
Steve Napolillo Named Next Athletic Director: It was announced on January 26 that Steve Napolillo would be the 11th athletic director in the history of Providence College. On July 1, Napolillo will replace Bob Driscoll, who announced his retirement on January 21. Napolillo, who is the senior associate athletic director/assistant vice president for external relations, has worked at the College since 2004.
Ed Cooley Ranks Second On The PC All-Time Win List: With the Friars' win versus Butler on January 23, 2022, Ed Cooley recorded his 210th victory as the Friar Head Coach and moved into second place on the all-time win list for PC Head Coaches. The the top three all-time winningest Friar head coaches are: Joe Mullaney (319-164), Ed Cooley (215-137, 11 seasons) and Dave Gavitt (209-84).
Friars All-Time Versus Top-25 Teams:Â The Friars have posted a 127-271 (.319) mark all-time versus top-25 teams, including a 4-0 mark this season.
Friars Play Their First Game In 12 Days After Covid Pause: On January 8, the Friars defeated St. John's, 83-73. The team then went on a 12-day pause due to Covid within the program. It marked the first time in the last two seasons the Friars have had to pause due to Covid within the team. The Friars returned from the Covid pause to defeat Georgetown, 83-75, on January 20.
Friars Ranked For First Time Since 2016: When the Friars entered the polls on December 20 at No. 22/23, it marked the first time the Friars had been ranked since they were No. 24 in the Coaches Poll on February 22, 2016. It also marked the first time the team has been ranked in both polls since February 15, 2016 when the Friars were 23rd in the Associated Press Poll and 20th in the Coaches Poll.
Friars At The Dunkin' Donuts Center: All-time, the Friars have recorded a 601-235 (.719) mark in 49 seasons of games at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The Dunkin' Donuts Center, formerly the Providence Civic Center, opened on November 3, 1972. The Friars had played their home games there for 48 consecutive seasons, prior to the 2020-21 season when the team played on campus at Alumni Hall with no fans in attendance due to the pandemic. PC posted an 8-3 mark at Alumni Hall last season.
Veteran Lineup: The Friars' roster features five graduate students. It marks the first time ever the Friars have had five graduate students on the roster. The Friars' top seven players - Nate Watson (145 games), Noah Horchler (110 games), Al Durham (146 games), AJ Reeves (97 games), Jared Bynum (69 games), Justin Minaya (101 games) and Ed Croswell (106 games) have combined to play 774 combined collegiate games.
Nate Watson Named Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team: It was announced on October 19 that Providence College graduate center Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) was named to the 2021-22 Preseason All-BIG EAST First Team. Watson (Portsmouth, Va.), who earned 2021 All-BIG EAST Second Team accolades, NABC All-District 5 Second Team honors and USBWA All-District 1 accolades, led the Friars in scoring (16.9 ppg) and rebounding (6.7 rpg) last season. He also ranked third in the league in scoring (16.9 ppg). In 26 games last season, he recorded four double-doubles and seven games with 20 or more points. Watson shot 60 percent (180-299) from the field, which ranked second overall in the league.
Brothers In The Lineup: For the first time since 1941 when Eddie and John Lee of Attleboro, Mass. suited up for the Friars, the Providence men's basketball team will have brothers playing together. Graduate student Andrew Fonts (Portsmouth, R.I.) and his brother, freshman Luke Fonts, are the first sibling combo for the Friars in 81 years.
Essandoko, Berry and Pierre Sign NLIs To Attend PC: Ed Cooley announced on Nov. 16 that student-athletes Christ Essandoko (Paris, France), Quante Berry (Cleveland, Tenn.) and Jayden Pierre (Elizabeth, N.J.) each have signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Providence College beginning in September 2022. Essandoko, a 6-foot-11-inch, 260-pound center is in his senior year at Winston-Salem Prep (N.C.). He is coached by Antonio Lowe at Winston-Salem Prep. Essandoko played for Boo Williams on the EYBL Nike Circuit. He averaged 7.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, while shooting 62.5 percent from the field. He is ranked as the 20th best center in the country (134 overall) and the sixth best player in France, according to 247Sports.com. Rivals.com ranked Essandoko as the 150th best player in the country and the No. 23 center. Berry, a 6-foot-4-inch, 175-pound guard, also attends Winston-Salem Prep. Berry played AAU basketball for B. Maze Elite on the UAA circuit. As a sophomore, Berry averaged 17 points, six rebounds and five assists and earned All-State honors at Bradley Central High School in Tennessee, before transferring to Winston-Salem Prep. Berry is the 33rd ranked guard in the nation, according to 247Sports.com. Pierre, a 6-foot-1-inch, 170-pound point guard, is in his senior year at Long Island Lutheran. He is coached by John Buck at Long Island Lutheran. Pierre played AAU basketball for Team Rio. He is ranked as the 15th-best point guard in the country and the top-ranked point guard in New Jersey, according to 247Sports.com. ESPN.com has Pierre ranked as the 39th point guard in the nation and sixth best player in New Jersey.
Watson Returns For 2021-22 Season: It was announced on March 17 that Providence College center Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) would return for his fifth season with the Friars. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the NCAA granted all winter athletes an extra season of eligibility. Watson (Portsmouth, Va.), who earned All-BIG EAST Second Team accolades, NABC All-District 5 Second Team honors and USBWA All-District 1 accolades in March, led the Friars in scoring (16.9 ppg) and rebounding (6.7 rpg). He also ranked third in the league in scoring (16.9 ppg). In 26 games, he recorded four double-doubles and seven games with 20 or more points. Watson shot 60 percent (180-299) from the field, which ranked second overall in the league.
Horchler Returns For 2021-22 Season: It was announced on March 28 that Providence College forward Noah Horchler (Melbourne Beach, Fla.) would return for another season with the Friars. Horchler, who transferred to Providence College in 2019 with one season of eligibility, is able to play in 2021-22 due to the NCAA granting all winter athletes an extra season of eligibility due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Horchler started 13 of the team's 26 games in 2020-21, including the final eight games of the season. He played an integral role for the Friars during those final eight games, shooting 43.2 percent (16-37) from three-point territory, grabbing 8.8 rebounds per game and scoring 11.5 points per game. For the season, Horchler ranked first on the team in three-point shooting (41.9 percent, 26-62), third in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and fourth in scoring (6.7 ppg). He registered 20 points and nine rebounds in the team's win over Xavier on February 24. Horchler recorded his first double-double as a Friar when he scored 10 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the team's win over No. 10 Villanova on March 6.
Nate Watson Registers His 1,000th Career Point: Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) scored his 1,000th career point on December 20, 2020 in the Friars' win at Seton Hall. He became the 51st Friar all-time to register 1,000 career points. In 145 career games, Watson has registered 1,629 points (11.1 ppg). He ranks 11th all-time in scoring at Providence College.
Horchler Registers His 1,000th Career Point: Noah Horchler (Melbourne Beach, Fla.) scored his 1,000th career point on March 10, 2021 in the Friars' BIG EAST Tournament game versus DePaul. In 110 career games (61 at North Florida and 49 at Providence), Horchler has registered 1,235 points (11.2 ppg).
Friars Are 79-5 In Non-Conference Home Games Under Ed Cooley: The Friars have posted a 79-5 mark in 11 seasons under Ed Cooley in non-conference home games.
Friars In Overtime: The Friars recorded a 1-0 record in overtime games this season. In 2020-21, the team had a 3-0 mark in overtime games. They have registered a 69-67 mark all-time in overtime games.
"DG" Patch On Friar Uniforms: In memory of former Friar Head Coach Dave Gavitt the Friars have worn a "DG" patch on their uniforms since the 2011-12 season. Gavitt led PC and Eastern basketball into the modern age. In 10 seasons as the head coach of the Friars, Gavitt led PC to 209 wins, including eight consecutive 20-win seasons, five NCAA appearances, three NIT appearances and five New England Coach of the Year honors. He led the Friars to 23 wins over Top-20 teams. His 1973 team made it to Final Four. In 1971, Gavitt was named Director of Athletics at PC, a position he held until 1982 when he resigned to be the director of the BIG EAST Conference. He also was named Head Coach of the 1980 USA Olympic basketball team. He was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.
Providence College Basketball: The 2021-22 campaign marks the 95th season of basketball at Providence College. Since the program started in 1926-27, Providence has posted a 1,516-1,010 mark, good for a .600 winning percentage. The Friars have made the NCAA Tournament 20 times and the National Invitation Tournament on 20 occasions.
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