The Providence Friars destroy the Richmond Spiders to advance to their first Sweet Sixteen since 1997. (Photo Courtesy: Bill Koch, The Providence Journal).
BUFFALO- The Providence Friars dominated the Richmond Spiders en route to a 79-51 victory on Saturday evening at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. The Friars will be making their first appearance in the Sweet Sixteen since 1997.
Providence never trailed in this game as they came out strong holding a 7-0 lead and were up 16 at the 10:43 mark in the first half.
The Friars also got out of a three-game shooting slump from downtown as they shot eight three pointers in the game, which matched their 8-22 performance against South Dakota State.
Providence came out of halftime keeping their foot on the gas pedal as they made their first four shots to expand on what was a 39-24 lead at halftime.
“This was as well as we played all year, and we picked the right time to do it,” Friars coach Ed Cooley explained after the game. “I think we clicked at every level.”
“We have a lot of threats on this team on the offensive end and defensive end,” Friars guard AJ Reeves talked about after the final buzzer. “When we play like this, I think we’re the best team in the country.”
Providence was led by Noah Horchler who finished with a double-double, 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Friars also had five players score in double figures and held Richmond to 1-22 shooting from behind the arc.
“When coach calls your number, be ready to shoot the ball,” Providence forward Noah Horchler explained. “Shots were falling tonight, and it felt great.”
Ed Cooley becomes the fifth coach to take the Friars to within four wins of a national championship. Their next test will come on Friday in Chicago, Illinois at the United Center when they face the top seeded Kansas Jayhawks in the Midwest region.
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