Friar Basketball Notebook: Previewing UNH, Anton Bonke’s Emergence, Duncan Powell’s Fit, and Jason Edwards/Jaylin Sellers Taking Care of the Ball

Photo Courtesy of Carl Rizzo at gameone_photography

Providence will look to bounce back from Friday’s 97-88 loss to Colorado on Tuesday night against New Hampshire.

The Friars are 16-1 against UNH all-time (the Wildcats’ only win came back in 1930), and 73-2 versus teams from the America East, while the focus of Friartown will be on the defensive side of the ball on Tuesday.

PC is averaging 96 points per game, but has largely struggled on the defensive end — specifically in the second half of games. The most positive sign to come out of Tuesday’s contest will be if Providence can impose its will defensively on an opponent.

The last time these two teams met, the result was an uncomfortably close 69-58 win on Nov. 18, 2021. UNH led early in the second half, but a double-double from Noah Horchler and Al Durham’s 19 points made the difference.

This year, the Wildcats are 2-3 early in the season, falling to George Mason (61-44), Harvard (86-75), and Clemson (88-38), and knocking off non-D1 opponents in Curry College and Emmanuel.

This should be a “get right” game before the Friars head back to Mohegan Sun on Saturday to take on Penn State. Here’s a look at UNH and where they rank nationally:

Now, let’s dig into the Notebook…

Anton Bonke’s Fast Start

Anton Bonke is opening eyes down in Charlotte, most recently with a 15-point, 10-rebound effort over the weekend in an 84-76 loss to Virginia Tech.

The double double marked Bonke’s third in four games this season, as the 7’2 center is averaging 12.0 points and 10.5 boards. He’s shooting 69% from the field, 6-13 at the free throw line, and 2-4 beyond the arc. Perhaps most notably, Bonke is grabbing 4.5 offensive rebounds per game.

Bonke wasn’t ready to contribute at Providence last season. Few questioned his potential during his year and a half in Rhode Island — rather how long it would take to shine through. He’s played well against the two “name” programs Charlotte has seen this season, as he also finished with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks in a 62-55 loss to Davidson.

Here’s a look at Bonke this season:

Getting Duncan Powell Going