Providence Mens Basketball Snaps South Dakota States 21-Game ...
The Game and the Win
The Providence Friars men's basketball team snapped South Dakota State's 21-game winning streak on December 22, 2021, with a 68-64 victory in Brookings, South Dakota.
The game was a closely contested match with multiple lead changes. South Dakota State led for most of the game and was up by as much as 12 points early in the second half. However, Providence mounted a comeback and took its first lead of the game with just under five minutes remaining. The Friars never relinquished that lead and held on for the win.
The win was a significant one for Providence, as South Dakota State was ranked in the top 25 of the NCAA's NET rankings, which are used to determine seeding for the NCAA tournament. The Jackrabbits had also defeated two Power Five conference teams earlier in the season, including a win over Nebraska on the road.
The Friars' Season So Far
The win over South Dakota State improved Providence's record to 9-2 on the season. The Friars have been one of the surprise teams in college basketball this year, as many experts did not expect them to be competitive in the tough Big East conference.
Providence's success has been due in part to the play of senior point guard Jared Bynum. Bynum is averaging 16.1 points and 6.1 assists per game this season and has been one of the top guards in the Big East. The Friars have also been getting strong contributions from their bench, which has been one of the deepest in the conference.
The Big East Conference
The win over South Dakota State was a good sign for Providence, as it prepares for the tough conference schedule ahead. The Big East is one of the most competitive conferences in college basketball, with multiple teams ranked in the top 25 of the NET rankings.
Providence will face several tough opponents in conference play, including Villanova, Seton Hall, and Xavier. The Friars will need to continue to play at a high level if they hope to make a run at the conference title and secure a spot in the NCAA tournament.
Conclusion
The Providence Friars men's basketball team's win over South Dakota State was a significant one and showed that the Friars can compete with some of the top teams in the nation. The win improved Providence's record to 9-2 on the season and provided a boost of confidence as the team heads into conference play.