Kevin Stacom: What We Learned About PC Against Oklahoma
Kevin Stacom, Sports Analyst
Kevin Stacom: What We Learned About PC Against Oklahoma
As coach Kim English mentioned a couple of times in previous post-game interviews, they were still trying to find out who they were as a team, and because of all the injuries to players limiting valuable preseason scrimmage time, that evaluation had been somewhat delayed. So naturally, we all tuned in to see if some of the progress that appeared to be taking place in the last couple of games was going to continue in that trajectory. Namely, would the improved cohesion on offense reflected in the improved assist-to-turnover ratio?
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A lot of basketball games in the beginning stages, especially those that have a lot riding on them, seem to be analogous to the opening round of a major prize fight where each team comes out probing, trying to run their stuff, seeing where a mismatch or opening might present itself, in general, an initial feeling out period before the pace has been established. This game was more like the beginning of a Marvin Hagler vs Hit Man Hearns contest.
PC took the brunt of the initial salvos, committing 6 turnovers in about the first five minutes and seemed to be reeling before what is becoming characteristic of them as a team, digging in on defensive, getting some stops, and proceeding to connect on a number of timely 3’s
Wesley Cardet Jr got it going with a couple of nice 3’s to help right the ship, one from the right top of the key followed by another from the left corner, on his way to a very efficient 17 points on 6 for 9 from the field and 2 for 3 from 3.
Corey Floyd Jr., Jayden Pierre, and Bensley Joseph all chipped in to dig the team out of its early mistake-driven deficit. Sophomore Rich Barron came off the bench and hit 2 more key 3s to keep the momentum going. As a team, this part of their advertised approach of emphasizing the 3-point shot paid dividends, as they were able to overcome a first-half total of 9 turnovers by connecting on 9 3s at a 41% clip, taking a 34- 32 lead into halftime.
The tables got reversed in the 2nd half as Oklahoma adjusted to PC’s strategy of 3-point emphasis, holding them to only 3 made 3’s on 11 attempts as Oklahoma improved from a 2 for 10 made 3’s in the 1st half to a 5 for 9 made mark from 3 in the 2nd half. This, along with their 23 points off turnovers, proved a bit much to overcome in the end, although Providence almost miraculously had a chance to win the game at the end due to a rare technical foul called (too many players on the court), which rewarded PC with 2 free throws and the ball with just under 3 seconds to go and down by 2, 79-77.
Pierre just missed on a 3-point attempt from off the back of the rim from the top of the key as time expired. That shot almost accomplished one of the greatest comebacks of all time after being down 7 with 36 seconds to go.
Another interesting aspect of this game is how it reflects the continued evolution of the college game due to the recent dramatic rule changes involving transfers and the world of NIL. Oklahoma started four seniors, all transfers from other colleges. The other starter was a very talented freshman, Jeremiah Fears, a 6’4” athletic guard, who reclassified from being a 2025 to a 2024 recruit, allowing him to play this year. He appeared to have NBA-type quickness and speed, and, although he got over his skis at times (8 turnovers), he put constant pressure on PC’s defense, getting to the line 14 times(made 12), along with 20 points and 7 assists His backcourt mate, Kobe Elvis (5th year senior), was in the house, scoring 26 points on 10-14 shooting including 3-5 from 3 point range.
The point is that it was another example of a “small ball,” which would have made my old teammate, friend, and boss, Don Nelson, proud. Nellie was the NBA coach credited with the innovation of introducing smaller, quicker, more skilled players to counter bigger, less mobile lineups, especially made famous with his Golden State Warrior teams from 1988-1995 (Hardaway, Richmond, and Mullin).
The big men in this game, on both sides, were almost incidental to the outcome, as the vast majority of the action took place from the guard and small forward positions. Just under 60% of all PC FG attempts were 3’s, and just under 40% of all Oklahoma’s FG attempts were 3’s. The biggest impact of a big came from Oklahoma Center, Luke Northweather (6’11” 240lbs), who made his presence felt by connecting on 2 key 3’s, causing PC to make some adjustments on the defensive end.
On the positive side for Providence, I think they have demonstrated that they will continue with the elevated intensity on the defensive end of the floor which so far has put them in a position to win games. Also, Wednesday night, although disjointed at times, they had a balanced scoring attack with Cardet, Pierre, Joseph, and Floyd scoring 17, 16, 16, and 13 points, respectively.
With the implied imminent return of their best player, Bryce Hopkins, it wouldn’t seem to be unfounded optimism to think that his insertion in this game would have been good for at least a swing in points necessary to secure the W.
Whenever it’s best for his future, looking forward to seeing him play again