Occupying the Top Spot in Big East, Is Providence the Ultimate Dark Horse?

With their thrilling victory over Butler, Providence has not only solidified their place in the NCAA Tournament but also made a strong statement in the Big East conference. The game against Butler showcased the resilience and determination of the Friars, as they fought back from a deficit to secure the win. Ticket Gaines’ late 3-pointer and Devin Carter’s leadership were crucial in turning the tide of the game. Carter’s exceptional performance, with 24 points, including 10 in overtime, proved instrumental in securing the victory.

This win will undoubtedly boost Providence’s confidence and may even result in a rise in the national rankings. The Friars are proving to be a force to be reckoned with, and their success in the tournament is not far-fetched. Providence is now on the path to potentially claiming the crown in the Big East conference, setting themselves up for a successful postseason.

Providence’s ultimate climb to the top

Based on the thrilling events of the past few days, it appears that the upcoming Big East championship race in 2023–24 is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting one. Despite the defeats for UConn at Seton Hall, Creighton at Villanova, and Providence against Marquette, the Friars managed to earn a significant victory for their first-year coach, Kim English, in his Big East debut, marking the start of league play this week.

Due to the limited number of games played against top-tier teams, there were significant concerns surrounding the performance of England’s team in league play. In response, the Friars played outstanding defense against Marquette, limiting the explosive Golden Eagles to a season-low 57 points on an embarrassing 32.1% shooting clip.

When it comes to opponent shooting percentage, Providence holds the impressive ranking of No. 16 in the entire country, as they consistently limit their opponents to a mere 37.9% from the field. It is worth noting that while their exceptional home-court advantage might have played a role in their remarkable victory over Marquette, it is their robust defense that truly determines the outcome of their games.

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The Friars have officially risen to the top of the most recent power rankings and are poised to cause a stir in the Big East.

A strong three-point defense

When considering the impressive defensive performance of Providence over the last three seasons, the team’s success can be attributed to their ability to hold their opponents to a three-point shooting percentage of only 33.9%. More precisely, opponents shot 31.1% from three against Providence in Big East play.

Now, with Kim English and his approach to the defense, it has been proven that their players are still excellent enough to cause problems for teams on the outside.

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Providence’s defense has favorable opportunities on the perimeter because of their length and quickness.