Providence -3
Many things about this game jump out to me and everything comes up Providence.
1. Dayton is playing its 5th game in SEVEN days. They had to leave Dayton and go to Brooklyn for their conf tourney and played three straight games. Then back to Dayton, where they got to play a home game in the First Four, then back on a bus to Columbus for this game tonight, which won't start until 10 PM! ET. I know they are college kids, but that's gonna take a toll. Dayton really only plays seven guys. They HAVE to be exhausted.
2. Providence hasn't played in six days and even though they lost in the BE semis to Villanova for a THIRD time this year. It was something to build on as it came down to a bogus foul and free throws in the final seconds. They left MSG a little angry and very eager for this tourney.
3. LAST YEAR's TOURNEY. Dayton made that awesome run to the Final 8 but 3 starters from that team are gone. Providence returns most of the guys that lost a heartbreaking 2-point game to UNC.
4. LaDontae Henton is Providence senior stud and one of the best scorers in the East. He originally committed to Dayton before then coach Brian Gregory was fired and then he changed his mind. He has already told the local papers he is eager to show he made the right choice.
5. Kris Dunn. This guy is Rajon Rondo with a jump shot and better attitude. He was the CO-MVP of the big East and is playing better and BETTER. Even Villanova had no answer for him.
6. Lastly, the match-up itself. Dayton is one of the smallest teams in the country and are TERRIBLE on the offensive glass. Also, their bench only plays 21.8% of regulation minutes, that's 340th in country! Good luck keeping fresh legs.
Providence will have the TWO BEST players on the court in Dunn and Henton and the 4 TALLEST players in the game. Although I respect Dayton's coach and their competitive spirit, I have a hard time seeing them being very competitive in this contest.
70-54, Providence
GLTA
Many things about this game jump out to me and everything comes up Providence.
1. Dayton is playing its 5th game in SEVEN days. They had to leave Dayton and go to Brooklyn for their conf tourney and played three straight games. Then back to Dayton, where they got to play a home game in the First Four, then back on a bus to Columbus for this game tonight, which won't start until 10 PM! ET. I know they are college kids, but that's gonna take a toll. Dayton really only plays seven guys. They HAVE to be exhausted.
2. Providence hasn't played in six days and even though they lost in the BE semis to Villanova for a THIRD time this year. It was something to build on as it came down to a bogus foul and free throws in the final seconds. They left MSG a little angry and very eager for this tourney.
3. LAST YEAR's TOURNEY. Dayton made that awesome run to the Final 8 but 3 starters from that team are gone. Providence returns most of the guys that lost a heartbreaking 2-point game to UNC.
4. LaDontae Henton is Providence senior stud and one of the best scorers in the East. He originally committed to Dayton before then coach Brian Gregory was fired and then he changed his mind. He has already told the local papers he is eager to show he made the right choice.
5. Kris Dunn. This guy is Rajon Rondo with a jump shot and better attitude. He was the CO-MVP of the big East and is playing better and BETTER. Even Villanova had no answer for him.
6. Lastly, the match-up itself. Dayton is one of the smallest teams in the country and are TERRIBLE on the offensive glass. Also, their bench only plays 21.8% of regulation minutes, that's 340th in country! Good luck keeping fresh legs.
Providence will have the TWO BEST players on the court in Dunn and Henton and the 4 TALLEST players in the game. Although I respect Dayton's coach and their competitive spirit, I have a hard time seeing them being very competitive in this contest.
70-54, Providence
GLTA
