Providence Friars vs Byu Cougars Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Providence’s Bryce Hopkins Might Return to Face BYU

Providence Looks to Rebound After Tough Stretch

Following an 0-3 showing at the Battle 4 Atlantis, Providence returns home to face BYU in the Big 12-Big East Battle on Tuesday night. The Friars (5-3) are eager to regain momentum after a winless trip to the Bahamas, which included losses to Oklahoma, Davidson, and Indiana.

This game marks the beginning of a crucial stretch for Providence under second-year coach Kim English, with a rivalry matchup at Rhode Island on Saturday and the Big East opener at DePaul on Dec. 10 looming.

“It was obviously a difficult, disappointing trip for us,” English said. “We’ve gotta get back and regroup. We’ve gotta get back to the basics.”

Potential Return of Bryce Hopkins

Providence may get a significant boost with the potential return of Bryce Hopkins, who has been recovering from an ACL injury. Hopkins, a Preseason All-Big East honoree, was close to making his season debut in the Bahamas but did not see action.

“Obviously who we are without Bryce is a bit different than who we are with him,” English said. “But even without him, who we are should stand true. We’re still trying to find that rotation. We feel we’re a little bit closer to it.”

In his absence, Jayden Pierre has stepped up, averaging 13.1 points per game. Pierre scored a career-high 22 points and hit five 3-pointers in Providence’s 89-73 loss to Indiana, a performance English highlighted as a sign of offensive improvement.

BYU Brings Firepower and Teamwork

BYU (6-1) enters the matchup fresh off a 72-61 victory over North Carolina State in the Rady Children’s Invitational third-place game. The Cougars bounced back after their first loss of the season, a 96-85 overtime defeat to Ole Miss.

The game against Providence will be BYU’s first true road contest of the season.

The Cougars have been efficient from beyond the arc, hitting double-digit 3-pointers in six of their seven games. Richie Saunders scored 13 points in the win over NC State, while the team showcased its unselfish play with 17 assists on 25 made field goals.

“Really unselfish group,” BYU coach Kevin Young said. “We’ve got a lot of guys who can make baskets. When we’re sharing the ball, we are really hard to stop.”

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Impact of Egor Demin

Freshman standout Egor Demin has been pivotal for BYU, earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors twice already this season. The 6-foot-9 guard contributed eight points, 11 rebounds, and a team-high four assists against NC State, showcasing his versatility.

“Demin affects the game in so many ways,” Young said. “I think you forget, because he plays as a guard, you forget how long he is.”

Key Storylines to Watch

The matchup pits two teams looking to solidify their identities as the season progresses. Providence will aim to find consistency, potentially reintegrating Hopkins into the rotation, while BYU will rely on its balanced scoring and team-oriented approach to secure its first true road win of the year.