Providence(12) vs. Butler(9)

[Edrick]

BU 81
PC 69

[ChelseaFriar]

I don't care what network the Friars are on, as long as the games are on my standard cable subscription in my NYC apartment. This year, I will get EVERY PC game on my couch in my apartment (FS1, CBSSN, MSG, MSG+, YES, etc.) and I do not pay extra for any sports package. This includes all non-conference games.

Edit: I'd obviously prefer all Friar games to be on FOX Network, but we have it pretty good now. Five years ago I was going to random NY bars with Full Court and begging bartenders to put a Friars game on a small, corner TV despite the fact that the Knicks and Syracuse were playing.

[BMRadio99]

These games are picked by networks all the way back in July and completed in August. Nobody thought on Dec. 31, that the Providence at Butler game would pit the #12 and #9 ranked teams. Can't blame FS1 if they didn't protect this game.

I agree the stakes are higher than anticipated, but I don't think it was unreasonable to expect that this game (Kris Dunn on the court + Butler was expected to be preseason top 25) would be bigger than St. John's vs Creighton.
Again, not dumping on SJU or the Jays - SJU will always be interesting, and the Jays have some players and will win some games this year - but this seemed pretty obvious given the choice of either.

Thanks for the explanation, though, Panther. It seemed to me early on that it *was* the place for Fox to dump leftovers, but it sounds like the deal isn't that simple and actually a decent arrangement for CBS. Fox is the one that needs broadcasting "wins" these days, though, since FS1 is still trying to find its place. I agree, the change *is* nice every now and again.

Anyway: Butler 78, PC 74. Vegas is spotting Providence 7 points, which is high, IMO, but I think/hope Butler gets the W at home.

[Irishdawg]

Providence has won both times they've played in Hinkle, so home court can pretty much get thrown out the window in this one.

Few things are going to be major factors in this game.

1. Butler Turnovers
2. Providence's ability to get in the lane on drives
3. Providence's ability to hit perimeter shots (helps w/#2)
4. Whether or not Dunham's slump continues

Friars are so much more than Kris Dunn, but he gets everything going for them offensively, so if they can keep him out of the lane, which they've never had a ton of success doing, Butler will likely win. If they can't, game will probably go to Providence. Really looking forward to this one.

[Hentonwood Hogan]

Expect the Friars and Cooleymania to run wild over Hinkle! Cooley World Order 4-Life!

[kmacker69]

Expect the Friars and Cooleymania to run wild over Hinkle! Cooley World Order 4-Life!

Homer!
Going to be a tough game and if KD keeps just missing his shots, it could be a real dogfight! I still think we win if the Dawgs play the D they have the last few games, but it's hard to do with Dunn, Bentil, and Bullock all getting theirs. Keep 2 of them down a little and make sure the rest don't get in the teens and I like our chances. Bentil scores 30+ like a few nights ago and I don't like our chances.

[ChelseaFriar]

Quadree Smith out with a hand injury today for PC. Fazekas out with Mono but should be at the game watching.

[ChelseaFriar]

Zebras trying to steal this game from PC? Really cheap, soft second foul on Dunn.

[milksteak]

Best defense we've played all year. We keep it going, and we can be really, really good.

[kmacker69]

Zebras trying to steal this game from PC? Really cheap, soft second foul on Dunn.

Been a lot of that this year, but might want to take crying about the refs to your homer board. Ain't getting a lot of sympathy here. Fouls are exactly even so far this game, with 2 on 3 starters for both beams. Just sayin'!