Bubble Watch: Providence College's Win Over Seton Hall Puts Friars on Bubble

By Ben Grimaldi
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The Providence College Friars sent senior guard Vincent Council out in style. The Big East’s career leader in assists is the only senior on the Friars and with some help from Kadeem Batts and LaDontae Henton, Council left the Dunkin’ Donuts Center a winner. The best part of the 76-66 win over Seton Hall is that it put the Friars squarely on the bubble of the NCAA Tournament.

The Friars were led by Batts’ monster 27 point, 12 rebound effort, and PC also got a double-double from Henton, who poured in 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Providence has now won seven of eight and has entered the conversation for receiving a tournament bid.

Don’t take my word for it though, ESPN College Basketball’s resident bracketologist Joe Lunardi has the Friars as one of the teams just outside the ‘next four out’ category. It might not sound like much but after beginning conference play at 2-7, only to climb to 9-8 in the Big East standings has been pretty impressive. Of course no team wants to be on the ‘out’ list but the Friars are now officially on the March Madness bubble.

The work isn’t over though and the Friars need to continue to win in order to improve their tournament resume. I mentioned last week that PC needed a five game winning streak and they’ve won the first two, and they were supposed to win those games. The hard part now comes in the next week or so where the Friars have to travel to Connecticut this weekend to keep their tournament hopes alive. The Friars should welcome the challenge because without winning the next few games against quality opponents, they wouldn’t stand a chance.

The PC Friars have battled back from their mid-season lull and are now on the verge of playing themselves into consideration for the all the madness of March. On the way, Vincent Council walked off the floor at the Dunk as the Big East’s leader in assists.

Not quite like leaving your sneakers on the floor, but still a great way to end your career in front of the home crowd.

you can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi 

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like