Providence vs. Texas: 2018-19 college basketball game preview, TV schedule
Both Texas and Providence look to wrap up non-conference play with a key win. Who wins this evenly matched contest?
TV schedule: Friday, December 21, 9:00 pm ET. ESPN2
Arena: Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas
With the end of the calendar year approaching, conference play is just a short while away. But there is still time for programs to grab a quality win to enhance their NCAA Tournament resume. That’s the case for both of these teams playing in Austin on Friday.
Texas (7-3) was ranked as high as No. 17 in the country, thanks to a massive win over top-10 North Carolina. But three straight losses, including to both Radford and VCU. Add to it that both Arkansas and Purdue (other Longhorn wins) have struggled as of late, meaning that some work needs to be done for Shaka Smart’s team come Big 12 time to secure their bid.
The same goes for Providence (9-3) who has accomplished next to nothing to this point. Their worst loss is to UMass, which isn’t a big deal. But at this point, both Rhode Island and Boston College represent the highlights for the Friars. And in a weak Big East Conference, that simply won’t do it.
Both teams have similar structures, using their strong defenses to get easy offenses out on the break. Texas is stronger inside with freshman Jaxson Hayes and senior Dylan Osetkowski both averaging double figures, while the Friars dominate the wings with All-Big East star Alpha Diallo and freshman David Duke using their size to their advantage against smaller perimeter defenders. Kerwin Roach and Matt Coleman are both smaller than them.
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With how strong Texas’ defense is, Providence will need to continue shooting well from distance. They’re ranked 34th in the country at 39%, with their two leading scorers each making over 40% of their deep shots. With the defenses evenly matchup, it’ll be the Friars shooting ability that’ll give them the edge on the road.