Providence Responds: Edwards Shines, Defense Awakens in Win at the AMP

Behind Jason Edwards' 25 points and the best second half defensive performance of the season thus far, the Providence Friars found themselves back in the win column at the Amica Mutual Pavilion Tuesday night.

"A really personal week internally for us just to get better and I thought our guys did some good things early shots just weren't falling" head coach Kim English said in his postgame press conference.

Here's how Providence got it done:

Best Defensive Second Half of the Season

It does not take a lot or a basketball genius to notice that Providence's biggest weakness so far this season has clearly been their defense which has been holding them back for wins against more quality opponents like Virginia Tech and Colorado which has sent the Friar faithful into a bit of a frenzy, especially in the second half. The Friars currently rank 350th nationally in scoring defense, allowing 91.0 points per game. However, the Friars did have their best defensive second half of the season against New Hampshire only allowing 35 points which is by far their lowest total. Furthermore, the Wildcats only shot 39.1% (25 of 64) from the field which is impressive compared to the 50+ second halves this team has repeatedly given up to similar if not worse quality opponents. Additionally, PC was able to control the glass with 40 rebounds to New Hampshire's 34. What makes this even more impressive is that PC was without four players in Corey Floyd Jr., Duncan Powell, Daquan Davis, and Rich Barron speaking to the depth of the team from top to bottom. This defensive performance is encouraging but must consistently continue if Providence wants to be a legit force in Big East play.

Veteran Leadership

According to Edwards in the postgame press conference, he said that Floyd Jr. talked to the team in the locker room at halftime settling them down and letting them know what was at stake in the moment.

"Just lock in and do the right thing."

Additionally, that the team works too hard to put out this finished product on the floor every day they get after it in practice as Providence looked like a completely different team in the second half then they did in the first half.

"We just work too hard to come out here and just lose sight of our principles, lose sight of our characteristics, and just our standard and culture" said Edwards postgame.

Even in a game where he does not play, you can still see the impact that Floyd Jr. has on this team, that is special in today's modern era of college basketball between the transfer portal and name image and likeness. Without a doubt, Floyd Jr. is the leader of this team and the glue that keeps everything together as the longest tenured Friar on the roster.

It certainly appears that the message he delivered got through and was well received as his teammates were able to lock in and do the right thing in the second 20 minutes of play.

Edwards Engineers Offensive Explosion

Shifting from one veteran player to another, in the absence of Floyd Jr. Edwards was able to lead the way for the Friars with 25 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. As the team's leading scorer, Edwards makes it look so easy which is actually something I believe folks are taking for granted after last season's guard play troubles. Even with his lack of size in only being 6'1 Edwards looks like the energizer bunny out there who is not afraid to shoot from anywhere on the court, is so fast when it comes to attacking the rim downhill as he consistently blows by his defender and is someone who can beat you in a multitude of ways. He truly is a three-level scorer who can do it all offensively, a special talent as this teams lead guard. Not only did Edwards greatly chip into the mix, but four other Friars were able to finish in double figures in Jaylin Sellers (18), Jamier Jones (14), Stefan Vaaks (13), and Ryan Mela (12). Each one of these players has their own strengths as a player which only makes this offense that much more versatile and explosive. What also doesn't hurt is that Providence dominated the Wildcats inside with 54 points in the paint to UNH's 30 and PC extending an early seven-point halftime lead, scoring the first 10 points after the break, and going on an 8-0 run to take a commanding 69-44 lead which sealed the deal and victory.

This win will make Friartown exhale after a disappointing loss against Colorado on the road, as this is what is expected of the team against a quality of opponent in the Wildcats. The most encouraging sign being the second half defensive performance, however, it must continue Saturday against Penn State as the Nittany Lions are 4-0 averaging 81.5 points per game this season.

Let's see if the defense travels this time as the Friars will make their return to the Mohegan Sun Arena.