PC Led for Much of the Game, But Wilted to UConn’s Pressure, Losing 87-84
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PC Led for Much of the Game, But Wilted to UConn’s Pressure, Losing 87-84
The Friars had a chance to get a top-25 win on the road, but all was for naught.
PC is now 7-8, 1-3 in the Big East. The Huskies are now 12-3, 4-0 in the conference.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTThe Friars dominated the Huskies in the first half. The Friars led at halftime 39-27 behind the outstanding play of Ryan Mela with 8 points and Jayden Pierre, who led the Friars with 10.
It was arguably the Friar's best half of the year.
The Friars shot 56% in the opening half.
Tale of Two Halves
Early in the second half, the Friars continued to play well and stretched the lead to 14, but then the Huskies turned on the defensive switch and put pressure on the Friars.
At the 10:00 mark, the Friars' lead had shrunk to just four — 60-56.
The Friar, who had only two turnovers in the first half, fell into old habits. The Friars ended with 10 for the game.
The game was tied 60-60 with 8 minutes left.
The Huskies rode a 13-0 four-minute streak to take a 64-60 lead.
The Friars received excellent performances from Pierre, who finished with 24 points on 8 of 16 shooting, and Wesley Cardet, Jr., who finished with 18 points.
Another Bitter Pill
Like the St. John's game earlier this season, the Friars showed that they can play with anyone for a half, but again proved they are a long way from closing out games and getting wins.