OT - Battle for 2nd Best Team in New England on ESPNU...

[BearJWS]

Close game between Providence & UMass on ESPNU. Both teams are having solid seasons. I think UMass should win. I'll admit, I like Chaz Wlliams. He does a lot for being 5'9"... But he's kinda slow tonight.

 

[alexd]

2 terrible final possessions down the stretch by UMESS. Just terrible.

 

[BearJWS]

2 terrible final possessions down the stretch by UMESS. Just terrible.

I agree, but I think UMass is the better team overall. More consistent this season. I'd love for New England basketball to be more competitive & keep the top talent home.

 

[alexd]

...and another terrible UMESS possession with the game tied to close OT....johnny on the spot rebound and put back saves them from a bad loss.

 

[gtcam]

neither team is a real offensive threat but umass is long inside and are rather athletic. PEEC looks like they are playing 4v5 at all times. noy saying UConn would blow either away but I think our bench and speed would cause problems - rebounding would be a problem vs umass

 

[champs99and04]

What a brutal loss by Providence. UMass did everything within their power to give it to them (their best player fouled out with a couple minutes left and didn't play in overtime) but Providence couldn't buy a rebound down the stretch and it cost them. Those are the type of games that can be the difference between making the tournament and not making it - looking at PC's resume, they have nothing that would be considered an impressive victory and a loss to a bad Maryland team. They'd better beat Seton Hall at home Tuesday, because after that they play @ Villanova, vs. Georgetown, @ St. John's, and vs. Creighton. They'll be lucky to come out of that stretch 2-2.