2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Saturday's Round of 32 games

2022 NCAA Tournament: Key matchups for Saturday’s Round of 32 games

Mar 17, 2022; Portland, OR, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Drew Timme (2) reacts with guard Andrew Nembhard (3) and Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren (34) in the second half against the Georgia State Panthers during the first round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Richmond Spiders vs. Providence Friars (Midwest Region) – 6:10 PM EST

The Providence Friars didn’t let the outside noise of an upset spoil their outcome as they kept South Dakota State at a distance all 40-minutes to snap their winning streak at 21 games. Now, they’ll have a much tougher task on their hands against a veteran Richmond Spiders squad.

The Friars continue to trust the magic of 6-foot-4 senior guard Al Durham. He finished with 13 points, eight rebounds, and six assists to lead the charge for Providence.

Then, there’s Big East Sixth Man of the Year, Jared Bynum. He was a huge X-factor off the bench in the opening round with 12 points. The backcourt will need to make plays once again against a well-coached Richmond group, that’s for sure.

The Spiders have already spoiled one single-digit seeds’ March Madness trip with their victory over No. 5 Iowa. Now, the web looms looking to slow things down and make life difficult for the Friars on Saturday evening with upset on the agenda.

Richmond’s sixth-year senior Jacob Gilyard had 24 points, six assists, and six rebounds against Iowa. Junior big man Tyler Burton finished with a double-double (17 pts, 11 rebs) as well.

They’re a team that defends at a high level and lulls teams to sleep with their Princeton-style offense. If the Friars can’t speed them up and make things difficult, look for them to become a Cinderella squad in the Sweet 16 after Saturday.

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