Providence at Wichita State: 2018-19 game preview, storylines to watch

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 16: Alpha Diallo #11 of the Providence Friars reacts after a play against the Texas A&M Aggies during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Spectrum Center on March 16, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 09: Providence Friars mascot performs. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

How will this game dictate the future?

Even though these two teams have only played one game each to this point, this matchup is incredibly important. Every game in college basketball matters and this one could have major early-season repercussions for both teams. I know that sounds silly considering how young the season is but it may just be the truth.

For Wichita State, the team is coming off of a really tough loss to Louisiana Tech in the season opener. This was a tough blow to the team, which is extremely young and not projected to reach the NCAA Tournament. Quite simply, if this Shockers’ team wants to go dancing, they cannot lose games like that one. Additionally, Gregg Marshall’s team now has to face off against Providence, a strong NCAAT bid contender this year. If Wichita State drops this game as well, they will fall to 0-2 on the year and will have a big hole to crawl out of.

Providence, on the other hand, struggled a bit more with Siena than the box score indicates. Heading into this year, one of the biggest weaknesses for the Friars on paper was 3-point shooting. Yet, the Friars absolutely lit it up from beyond the arc against Siena, shooting 13-for-25 (52.0%) from beyond the arc. However, despite this hot shooting, they won by just 10 points at home. It might be a struggle to maintain that hot shooting. Nonetheless, if Providence takes down Wichita State in this one, they will be 2-0 and off to a very strong start.

Next. Preseason Bracketology. dark

In the end, this might be one of the most under-the-radar non-conference games. In addition to pitting two elite head coaches and consistent programs against one another, this matchup may have underlying repercussions for the future. Who will come out victorious?

Final Prediction: Providence 78, Wichita State 70.