A Mid-Week Friar Basketball Newsletter: Reaction as Providence Knocks off #24 Marquette

Wednesday night at the Amica Mutual Pavilion was the latest classic contest between Providence and Marquette — it also served as a national coming out party for Bryce Hopkins.

The Friar sophomore finished with a Marvin Barnes-like stat line: 29 points and 23 rebounds in PC’s 103-98 double overtime victory.

After Providence led for over 16 minutes in the first half, Marquette took the lead early in the second. The Golden Eagles led by eight with under five minutes left in regulation before the Friars rallied to send the game to overtime.

The two teams battled through a pair of overtime sessions before Providence closed on a 5-0 run in the final minute of the second OT.

While Hopkins made national headlines with his outstanding performance, Ed Cooley got contributions up and down the roster. Ed Croswell and Devin Carter both scored 20 points, Jared Bynum put up 16 points and eight boards, while Alyn Breed finished with 13 and hit what Cooley called “the biggest shot of the game.”

Subscribers can read more about this one in our look back on a thrilling night at the AMP. We put Hopkins’ night into historical context, shared Cooley’s praise of Bynum, Breed, and Rhode Island native Tyler Kolek, covered the continued critical energy plays from Devin Carter, and more.

You can watch a look back at this one here.

We also have a pair of interviews from Billy Ricci, as he caught up with Jalen Lindsey, who returned to Providence to take in his first Friar game in a while. Billy also spoke with Bynum and Breed following the win.

There were all sorts of great Twitter reactions from local and national media, as well as the players and supporters of the program. We capture some of the best here.

Finally, subscribers can check out our article looking into some advanced metrics for the Friars on both the offensive and defensive end.

After Wednesday’s win, Providence’s record improved to 10-3 overall and 2-0 in the Big East. They’ll return to action on Dec. 29 when they visit Butler.