Providence Friars vs Saint Bonaventure Bonnies Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Providence’s Defense Set for Test Against Surging St. Bonaventure

Providence (7-4) is leaning on its defense as it heads into a Hall of Fame Showcase matchup with St. Bonaventure (9-1) on Saturday in Uncasville, Conn. The Friars are riding a stretch of three straight games holding opponents under 65 points, and they’ll need another strong performance to stifle a Bonnies team on a roll.

Providence’s Defensive Momentum

The Friars showcased their defensive tenacity in a gritty 70-63 overtime win against DePaul on Tuesday. Providence held the Blue Demons to 32.8 percent shooting and allowed just five points in the extra period.

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Head coach Kim English praised his team’s effort but noted there’s room for growth.

“I thought it was our most locked-in game defensively this season,” English said. “We still have some things to work on and will keep making steps in the right direction.”

Providence’s defensive improvements have been timely as they aim to slow a St. Bonaventure squad that has proven resilient following its first loss of the season.

St. Bonaventure’s Balanced Attack

The Bonnies are fresh off a 65-55 win over Buffalo, their third straight victory since a setback to Canisius on Nov. 28. St. Bonaventure has leaned on a group of newcomers, including Missouri State transfer Chance Moore (16 points against Buffalo), Wagner transfer Melvin Council Jr., and Panola College transfer Jonah Hinton.

Despite a strong start, Moore emphasized that the team is still finding its rhythm.

“We’re realizing that we’re an elite defensive team,” Moore said. “We’re gonna keep working on the offensive end to have both components so that we can really be able to put teams away. But it’s a work in progress.”

The Bonnies’ defense, which has allowed just 55 points per game over the past three contests, will be crucial in slowing down Providence’s balanced offensive trio.

Key Players to Watch

• Providence:
  • Bryce Hopkins (17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds per game): The Kentucky transfer is the engine for Providence, providing consistent scoring and rebounding.
  • Jayden Pierre (12.7 ppg): A dynamic scorer who can stretch defenses.
  • Bensley Joseph (12.1 ppg): Scored a team-high 20 points in the win over DePaul and is a reliable perimeter threat.
• St. Bonaventure:
  • Chance Moore: The team’s leading scorer and key playmaker.
  • Melvin Council Jr.: A versatile scorer and strong defender.
  • Jonah Hinton: A steady presence who contributes on both ends of the floor.

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What to Expect

This game will likely be a defensive battle, with both teams emphasizing discipline on that side of the ball. Providence will look to leverage its recent defensive surge to slow down St. Bonaventure’s balanced attack. On the other hand, the Bonnies will aim to push the pace, as Moore hinted, while continuing to refine their offensive chemistry.

Prediction

Providence’s defense has been the backbone of its recent success, but St. Bonaventure’s depth and balance could pose a challenge. The game will likely come down to which team can execute better in critical moments.