The Energy Plays of Devin Carter Made a Big Difference Against Seton Hall

Ed Croswell and Bryce Hopkins will get all the headlines following Providence’s 71-67 win at Seton Hall on Saturday — and rightfully so. The duo punished the Pirates on the interior to the tune of 45 points and 19 rebounds, while drawing 14 fouls. In the second half alone, Croswell and Hopkins had a combined 32 points and 16 boards.

Devin Carter’s numbers (eight points, five rebounds, three steals, two blocks) were nowhere near as gaudy, but his impact was significant.

One statistic says it all, however: Providence held a 58-40 advantage with Carter on the floor on Saturday. They were outscored 27-13 without him. The Friars were a +19 in Carter’s 14 minutes and 29 seconds on the floor in the second half.

Over the final 20 minutes, Carter scored eight points, grabbed four rebounds and had a big impact, all while taking just three shots from the floor. He also drew three offensive fouls on Saturday.

The energy and effort with which Carter played had Fox color analyst Donny Marshall talking Big East Defensive Player of the Year on Dec. 17.

It’s far too early for that, but Carter is certainly settling into his role as this team’s energy giver and top defender. He ranks in the 87th percentile in the country in defending pick and roll ball handlers (.432 points per possession against) and in the 81st against spot up shooters (.630 ppp against).