Minnesota vs. Providence: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

Providence and Minnesota square off in an early-season marquee matchup. Which team will add a quality win to their potential tournament resume?

TV Schedule: Monday, Nov 13, 6:30 p.m ET, FS1

Arena: Dunkin Donuts Center, Providence, RI

Both the Providence Friars and Minnesota Golden Gophers opened the season with victories. Providence destroyed Houston Baptist and Minnesota defeated USC Upstate by a comfortable 15 point margin. However, the level of difficulty will increase significantly for their second game as the two veteran-laden teams will square off.

Minnesota is ranked No. 15 in both the AP and Coaches poll and is led by their senior PG Nate Mason. Mason was one of the best players in the Big Ten conference last season, but, in their opening game, most of the damage was done by the frontcourt. Forward Jordan Murphy exploded for 35 points and 15 rebounds and center Reggie Lynch posted 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Providence had a more balanced scoring effort as eight players scored at least 7 points. Reserve guard Maliek White led the way with 13 points, but Kyron Cartwright was most impactful. Cartwright, Providence’s best player, is one of the best distributors in the country and earned a double-double in the opener.

Playing an NCAA Tournament-caliber team on the road is always a difficult task, but playing one so early in the season will prove to be even more challenging for Minnesota. The Golden Gophers need better games from Mason and sophomore standout Amir Coffey if they are going to reach their immense potential.

The Friars should get Jalen Lindsey back for this important matchup. Lindsey missed the first four games (three exhibitions included) and the Friars could use his three-point shooting, perimeter defense, and experience back in the lineup. They also need a better performance from senior PF Rodney Bullock who was held to 7 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 turnovers against Houston Baptist.

Unfortunately, both teams will be without a key contributor. Minnesota has lost sophomore PF Eric Curry for the season with a knee injury and Providence has lost Emmitt Holt to abdominal surgery that could cause him to miss the season.

The similarities between the two do not end there. Both teams have a star PG (Mason and Cartwright), a veteran scoring forward (Murphy and Bullock), and sophomore wing with high upside (Coffey and Alpha Diallo).

Minnesota has an advantage at center with Reggie Lynch. Lynch is an elite defender and rim protector when he stays out of foul trouble. His defensive abilities will allow him to alter many shots inside and deter guards from attacking the basket.

Providence has a major depth advantage. The Friars have nine or ten guys who will compete for rotation minutes which gives Coach Cooley the flexibility to play different styles. This is most evident in their collection of versatile wings. Diallo, Lindsey, and Isaiah Jackson all have excellent size (6’6’’-6’7’’) which they use to disrupt opposing guards defensively and shoot over offensively.

Next: Providence 17-18 Preview

Minnesota at Providence looks like the best game of the first four days of the season. A win would do wonders for both teams’ tournament resumes when March rolls around. I think Providence has the edge, playing at home, and will pull off the win.

Prediction: Providence 68 Minnesota 64

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