Game Preview: Providence @ Colorado

The Friars travel to Boulder to face the 2-0 Buffaloes for the first faceoff in program history. Colorado is fresh off a five-point overtime win against Eastern Washington on Saturday, while Providence dominated UPenn on Monday, 106-81. Both teams look to add a statement win to their season to build momentum for the rest of non-conference play.

Game Information:

Tip Off: 9:00 PM ET

Location: CU Events Center - Boulder, CO

TV Streaming: ESPN+

Colorado enters the matchup motivated to avoid another last-place finish in the Big XII after a 14–21 (3–17) campaign in one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. They have survived early tests against Montana State and Eastern Washington, but their combined margin of victory in those games is just 11 points.

Providence is looking to build consistency heading into a challenging two-week stretch that includes two Quadrant 2 matchups, a neutral-site Quadrant 1 opportunity, and a home game against New Hampshire. Capitalizing on Colorado’s early inconsistencies could prove crucial as the Friars begin one of their most consequential stretches of the season.

Providence Overview:

Strengths:

The Friars’ frontcourt took a step forward against Penn, as Cole Hargrove showed why Kim English brought him to the program after he consistently showed his defensive abilities and physicality. The team’s offense continued to shine, as Jason Edwards (14), Ryan Mela (18), Jaylin Sellers (12), Corey Floyd Jr. (20), Jamier Jones (11), and Stefan Vaaks (14) all scored in the double digits, as Providence scored 100+ points in back-to-back games – the first time they have done so since the 2008/2009 season when Keno Davis coached the Friars. Unlike previous years, the Friars are less reliant on a singular scorer, which gives them a chance to win games even with players not playing at their highest level.

Weaknesses:

Providence continued to struggle defensively after letting up 81 points to a Penn offense that only shot 35% from the field and 42% from three. Another issue for the Friars is their turnovers, as they have averaged 13/game through their first three matchups this year, with competition only getting stronger.

Colorado Overview:

Strengths:

Colorado has multiple ways to hurt you, whether it’s freshman guard Isaiah Johnson or 6’11” forward Sebastian Rancik, and focus their attack based on their ability to hit threes and drive to the paint. In their last two games, Colorado has taken 12 total midrange shots, making 8. In their first game, they hit 3 of their 12 three-point attempts (25%), but in their second game, they hit 11/23 (47.8%). If they can continue to hit their threes, it will become one of the strongest aspects of their game.

Weaknesses:

The biggest downfall thus far in the season for the Buffaloes has been their inconsistency. With a small sample size, though, it is difficult to determine if they just had a bad game or if threes will be an issue in their game. Colorado is still a young team and will struggle to find their identity in only three games. Additionally, while they have height in 7’0 Bangot Dak, 6’11” Rancik, and 6’10” Elijah Malone, they limit themselves to the midrange, which can trap them when they are not finding open looks.

Keys to Providence Win:

1) Win the Rebound Battle

In Colorado’s two games this year, they have struggled on the offensive rebound, with only a third of their total rebounds coming on the offensive side of the court. Providence has managed to get just over this amount, but if they can dominate the glass against Colorado, they will effectively reduce them to their three-point game, which hasn’t proven to be consistent yet.

2) Reduce Turnovers

Providence’s turnovers have been a point of concern, with 15 allowed against Penn on Monday. While it can slide against lower-level opposition, against better competition, this will create transition opportunities that lead to unnecessary points against.

3) Hit Threes

Kim English’s system is built on outscoring opponents and leveraging the three-point line. Jason Edwards scored 14 points despite shooting just 2-for-6 from deep, and there will be nights where he explodes for 30 if he finds his rhythm early.

Key Players:

Providence: Jason Edwards, Stefan Vaaks, Oswin Erhunmwunse

Colorado: Isaiah Johnson, Sebastian Rancik, Barrington Hargress