After PC’s comeback win last night at a sold out Schneider Arena, the Friars will look to sweep the weekend series which has now shifted to Tsongas Center at UML.
As I discussed in the keys to the game, Desrosiers would have to come up big today to help Batts out inside and CD really did make his presence known with 7 rebounds and 5 blocks. I believe he was a big key in keeping Semaj Christon out of the lane for much of the day. The other big game today was from LaDontae Henton who finished with 23 points and 11 rebounds despite fouling out with a few minutes left in the game. Bryce Cotton was Bryce Cotton scoring 25 points and dishing 7 assists. I agree with Coach Cooley – “if you tell me a guy in the last month that has played better than him (Cotton) in the country, in the country, I want to know who that is.” I also thought Fortune had some key buckets throughout the game including the 3 and 1 he hit and the slick footwork and adept left handed baby hook to score in the lane. These last 5 games have been nothing short of fun. Some have been more fun during the game (Georgetown and Creighton) than others (SJU, Butler, Xavier) but the results have been fantastic. Now the real tests will come as PC heads out onto the road in 4 of their next 5 contests. The Friars will travel to Milwaukee to take on Marquette on Thursday and then head to Chicago to take on DePaul next Saturday.
Despite not shooting very well in the first half PC managed to take a 35-31 lead into the break. Ladontae Henton had a huge day finishing with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Carson Desrosiers played really well down low including 5 blocks. And of course Bryce Cotton was Bryce Cotton with 25 points and 7 assists.
PC has extended their Big East winning streak to 4 with their grind it out win over Butler at the Dunk on a blizzardy Tuesday night. This would be a huge win for the Friars to take with them on the road next week as they head to Milwaukee and then Chicago to take on Marquette and DePaul.
This will mark the third game in a row that PC will take on a new member of the Big East.
Kadeem Batts has been playing very well of late. Even when his shot isn’t falling early, he has shown the ability to get to the free throw line and is an impressive 29/35 (83%) over his last 4 games. He has also been a beast on the glass, averaging 9.5 rpg over that span, including a career best 17 rebound performance against Butler on Tuesday. Batts is playing much more aggressive than earlier in the year which is good to see but it has also led to some foul trouble of late.
8 of PC’s 19 games have been decided by 4 points or less this season. They are 5-3 in those games including a 2-2 record in the 4 games of the 8 that have gone into overtime.
Cotton has scored 20 or more points in 35% of all games he has played at PC. He also currently leads the Big East in assists.
Line opened at pick ’em in Vegas.
Keys to the Game
Batts staying aggressive and taking it to Stainbrook early and often. PC makes their money with offensive rebounds and free throw shooting. Batts will be a key cog in both.
Contain Semaj Christon. He is averaging 24 ppg over his last 5 games and is Xavier’s best player.
Get meaningful minutes from Carson Desrosiers. His interior presence protecting the rim will be a big factor in keeping Christon out of the lane and Stainbrook off the glass.
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