Can We Go Back to 1973? This PC Loss to Indiana Was Forgettable

Can We Go Back to 1973? This PC Loss to Indiana Was Forgettable

Coming into Monday’s game against the Indiana Hoosiers, Providence College was 0-1 against the storied team.

For those old enough to remember, the Hoosiers defeated the Friars, 97-79, in the NCAA Tournament in St. Louis on March 26, 1973.

It was for third-place game in the NCAA Final Four — it was a monumental game that put PC on the national map. Yes, they used to play for third-place in the Big Dance. 

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Bobby Knight was coaching Indiana, Quinn Buckner dueled with Ernie D, and Dave Gavitt coached the Friars. Ironically, former UCLA star Bill Walton was one of ESPN's commentators for the 1973's rematch today -- SEE BELOW.

2020 Match Up

Monday’s match-up was less memorable. The Friars lost Monday 79-58.

First, Maui Invitational was being played in in Asheville, N.C..

The Friars interior defense was matador like.

The Friars trailed from beginning to end.

Indiana improves to 2-0 and the Friars fall to 1-1.

The Friars were lead by David Duke and Nate Turner each with 12 points.

For Coach Ed Cooley, the loss will be good motivation. His team looked soft as they repeatedly gave up uncontested layups and were dunked on.

This game was a long way from Maui and a long way from Big East tough.

It is just the second game of the year.

 

History

PC's Ernie DiGregorio (128 points) was the leading scorer in the tournament in '73.

The Friars' other superstar -- Marvin Barnes -- was injured in the semi-final game against Memphis State. 

UCLA won the last of its seven consecutive NCAA national championships in 1973. The Bruins beat Memphis State 87-66 in the title game. Walton was named Most Outstanding Player in the tournament for a second straight year, this time setting a tournament record by scoring 44 points in the national final on 21-of-22 shooting.