Watson & Reeves Lead PC Past Vermont Tuesday

Nick Coit,

Providence College Press Release

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Providence College men’s basketball team defeated the University of Vermont, 68-58, on Tuesday, Dec. 7 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. With the win, the Friars improved to 9-1 on the season. Tonight marked the 500th career collegiate game for Cooley as a head coach (295-205). Senior A.J. Reeves (Roxbury, Mass.) controlled the game offensively, recording 24 points and a season-high six three-point baskets. Graduate student Nate Watson (Portsmouth, Va.) also had 24 points for the Friars.

“Our guys are really buying into their roles,” Cooley said. “Anytime you have a team that is connected on both sides of the ball, those teams usually have success for the long-term.”

FIRST HALF:

  • Reeves knocked down a three-pointer to open the game. The Friars forced a Vermont turnover on the ensuing possession.
  • Watson scored on the next three possessions of the game. The Friars held an 11-5 lead at the first media timeout of the game.
  • Reeves added two more three-pointers and Watson made a mid-range jumper. The Friars extended their lead to double digits, 19-7.
  • After starting the game 4-4 from the field, the Friars made only three of their next 17 attempts.
  • At the 5:01 mark, Watson ended a Friars scoring drought of over six minutes. Watson drew contact and completed a three-point play less than a minute later. PC led 25-14.
  • Watson and Vermont’s Ryan Davis each reached double figures before halftime.
  • The Friars led by 10 points at halftime, 30-20.
  • Providence shot 11-27 (40.7%) from the field, 3-10 (30.0%) from three, and 5-8 (62.5%) from the free throw line.
  • Vermont shot 8-24 (33.3%) from the field, 2-9 (22.2%) from three, and 2-2 (100%) from the free throw line.

SECOND HALF:

  • Alyn Breed (Powder Springs, Ga,) drew a steal and scored in transition to start the half.
  • With 13:59 to play, Reeves connected on his fourth three-pointer of the game. Reeves had two more baskets from three-point territory on back-to-back possessions before the 10-minute mark. PC led 49-35.
  • The teams traded baskets as the game entered its final stretch. At the 2:46 mark, Watson threw down a two-handed dunk off the feed from Reeves. The Friars maintained a double-digit lead.
  • With just over a minute remaining, Breed knocked down a floater to extend the lead even further.

NOTES/HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Providence finished 24-52 (46.2%) from the field, 6-20 (30.0%) from three, and 14-21 (66.7%) from the free throw line.
  • Vermont finished 22-51 (43.1%) from the field, 5-19 (26.3%) from three, and 9-10 (90.0%) from the free throw line.
  • Each team had two players finish in double figures.
  • Reeves and Watson combined for 18 of the Friars’ 24 field goals.
  • Reeves scored season highs in both points and three-pointers made (24 and 6).
  • Noah Horchler (Melbourne Beach, Fla.) finished with a game-high 10 rebounds.
  • Al Durham (Lilburn, Ga.) had a game-high five assists.
  • Ben Shungu led the way for the Catamounts with a team-high 20 points.
  • Isaiah Powell had a team-high eight rebounds for the Catamounts.
  • Attendance – 5,087

WHAT’S NEXT:

  • In their final non-conference matchup, the Friars will take on Central Connecticut State University on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. on FS1.
  • The Friars hold an 6-2 all-time record against Central Connecticut State. In their last meeting, the Friars defeated the Blue Devils, 87-63, on Dec. 16, 2018 in Providence, R.I.
Categories: College Sports, Sports
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