Providence Basketball: Friars power through opponents in the 2K Classic

The Providence Friars lit up New York City winning the annual 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden thanks in part to impressive long-range shooting.

The atmosphere was intense during the annual 2K Classic benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project as the four teams involved came in with hopes of propelling their programs to early season success. The Providence Friars were on familiar turf playing inside Madison Square Garden and its rich history of exciting Big East basketball.

The Friars got into a heated matchup on day one of the tournament, facing off against the Washington Huskies. Preseason All-Big East Second Team selection Rodney Bullock was the catalyst early in the game as his 17 points and 9 rebounds quickly asserted his veteran presence. The Friars went on a 13-0 run in the first half and continued to battle with a very game Huskies squad throughout the second.

Sophomore Maleik was an important factor off the bench dishing out six assists as the Friars eventually held off the Washington 77-70. The victory showed the Friars resilience down the stretch in games and an early indication of how important their bench will be once conference play begins.

The Friars were very aggressive throughout the game showing the old school Big East style grit in front of a loyal fan base.

The next opponent for the Friars were the Saint Louis Billikens who were fresh off of upsetting the favored Virginia Tech Hokies in their semifinal matchup. The two teams would meet Friday night with the winner being crowned champion of the annual 2K Classic.

The outcome of this game was never really in doubt as the Friars put on a shooting display connecting on 62 percent of their shots from the field. The even more impressive part includes 90 percent from three-point range quickly jumping out to a commanding 41-21 lead in the first half.

The second half wasn’t much different as the Friars put away Saint Louis immediately to the final score of 90-63. Senior guard Kyron Cartwright was named tournament most valuable player and was joined by teammate Bullock on the all-tournament team. Friars head coach Ed Cooley expressed his excitement on the team’s championship performance during his post-game press conference.

"“Today was one of those days where whatever we threw up went in, We talk about sharing the ball, Guys like sharing the ball, moving it around. I took away from today was hopefully we have a couple more shooting nights like we had.”"

The Friars leave Madison Square Garden with plenty of momentum to begin the season as they improve their overall record to 3-1. Providence returns home Wednesday for a matchup against Belmont.