Providence Basketball: 3 keys to defeating Texas A&M
Knock down perimeter jump shots
Providence needs to hit three-point shots in order to defeat Texas A&M. The Friars had some hot shooting games in the non-conference portion of the season, but have gone cold since.
Isaiah Jackson, Jalen Lindsey, and Maliek White all had three-point percentages in the forties for most of the season, but have slipped considerably in recent games. In fact, Providence does not have anyone who shoots over 40% from three.
Lindsey is the team’s best shooter, but a recent slump since mid-February has tanked his numbers and has hindered the Friar offense. In their most recent game against Villanova, Lindsey was 0-7 from three. He is too valuable defensively to sit for extended periods of time so it is essential that he finds his once automatic shooting stroke.
Providence played well in the Big East Tournament without hitting threes, but this will need to change against Texas A&M. The Friars shot 5/23 from 3 against Creighton, 3/19 against Xavier, and 6/23 against Villanova. They relied on Cartwright hitting some tough mid-range shots and relied on Diallo in the post against smaller guards.
Using Bullock at the five in a small-ball lineup generates a lot of mismatches and produces a significant amount of Providence’s offense. The Friars may not be able to use this lineup so it is imperative that Cartwright, Lindsey, Jackson, and Bullock hit open shots.
Texas A&M mostly plays zone so three-point opportunities will be plentiful and post-ups will be limited. The Aggies have the 12th best defense according to Kenpom so do not expect this struggling Friars offense to find its groove.