5 Takeaways From PC's 77-64 Loss to #3 Michigan State
Joe Calabro, GoLocalProv Sports Team
5 Takeaways From PC's 77-64 Loss to #3 Michigan State
See the Five Takeaways Slideshow Below
The Friars led by six, 45-39, with just under 13 minutes to play in the game before Michigan State went on a 9-2 run to go up 48-47 with 11 minutes to play.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe lead went back and forth before Michigan State took a commanding seven point lead, 64-57, with three minutes to play in the game.
The Friars got as close as four after a Kris Dunn three-pointer, however, the Spartans knocked down free throws, accounting for seven of their final 13 points to seal the win.
The game saw 12 lead changes with Providence leading for nearly 20 minutes of play.
Leaders
Kris Dunn led the Friars with 21 points on 8 of 19 shooting from the field to go along with seven assists and five rebounds.
Ben Bentil followed up with 20 points in the game. Bentil had at least 20 points in every game of the tournament and was named to the all-tournament team with Kris Dunn.
Next up
PC returns to action on Wednesday, December 2nd when they host the University of Hartford at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. Tip off is set for 7 p.m.
5 Takeaways From PC's 77-64 Loss to #3 Michigan State
Ryan Fazekas
Tough game for freshman Ryan Fazekas who only scored three points on 1 of 3 shooting from the field in 26 minutes of play.
Fazekas has shown this year that he can knock down the three-point shots, the Friars have to get him more shots in games and he has to look for his shot more as well.
It's hard to get in a rhythem only taking three shots.
Ben Bentil
Ben Bentil was named to the all-tournament team along with Kris Dunn. Bentil netted 20 points on 8 of 16 shooting from the field while also grabbing seven rebounds, all on the defensive end.
Bentil had an impressive tournament, scoring at least 20 points in all three games and a career high 24 points against Evansville.
A good start to the season for Bentil.
Free Throws
Dunn led the Friars with six free throws taken while Rodney Bullock had two and Ben Bentil had three.
Overall, PC did not get to the line enough, only taking 12 free throws in the game and making eight of them.
Meanwhile, Michigan State took 26 free throws in the game and knocked down 18 of them.
Kris Dunn
Kris Dunn poured in 21 points on 8 of 19 shooting from the field while dishing out seven assists and grabbing five rebounds in the game. Dunn was named to the all-tournament team with along with Ben Bentil.
One thing that's becoming an issue is foul trouble. Dunn played with four fouls at the end of the Arizona game and had to do it again against Michigan State, picking up his fourth about midway through the second half.
For PC to compete with anyone this season, Dunn has to stay way from the reach in fouls and other fouls that there is no reason for. He is way too important to the team to have to sit on the bench.
Good showing
Overall, this was a very good showing for the Friars, making the championship game of the tournament.
The Friars beat a good Evansville team, knocked off #11 Arizona and were hanging right with Michigan State for the majority of the game, right up until the last couple of minutes.
Not sure if the win of Arizona gets them into the top 25 but they should be close.
