Weekly NCAA Tournament Watch

March 4, 2009
By Michael Omenazu
Sports Writer

Having the top ranking in college basketball gets you honor, prestige, and usually the best efforts from opponents every game. This has resulted in multiple upsets of the top teams this season, recently including Providence triumphing over No. 1 Pittsburgh.

After suffering a tough loss to Notre Dame, Providence found themselves with 16 wins and 11 losses; quite possibly on the outside looking in for a chance to earn an at-large bid to the national tourney.

Matched up against Pittsburgh, then ranked as the top team, history was not on their side as they had not beaten a number one team since 1976. However, taking advantage of a slow start by the Panthers, the underdogs jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they cruised to victory. 

Commenting on the impact of the win on their chances to participate in March Madness Coach Keno Davis said of his seniors after their final home game, “I think they made a big step to be able to continue their collegiate careers tonight."

“We're in a pretty good situation: We're in the top half of the best conference in the country. It puts us in the conversation. I'm sure if we had lost, they wouldn't be talking about us anymore."

Competing in what many consider as the best and deepest conference in all of America (the Big East), the Friars have to face quality competition night in and night out. In a league that can find as many as ten teams in the tourney, Providence hopes to be one of them.

Led by balanced scoring with four players in double digits, their offensive attack is highlighted by Weynimi Efejuku’s 14.9 points per game scoring average. Although with an RPI of 76, their resume features a winning conference record plus key wins against fellow bubble teams including Syracuse and Cincinnati twice.

Their win against Rutgers coupled with a possible victory at ranked Villanova to end the regular season solidifies their positioning in the Big East tournament. Success in conference post season play justifies their claims to make the field of 64. A battle tested Providence squad has consistently faced and handled adversity and their experience will make them a tough out for any team they face.