FRIARS’ COACH VOWS SEVERE REPERCUSSIONS AFTER TOUGH LOSS TO INDIANA
Paradise Island, Bahamas – After a spirited yet ultimately unsuccessful effort against the #14/15 Indiana Hoosiers on Friday, Nov. 29, Providence College men’s basketball coach, Kim English, did not hold back his disappointment. Following the 89-73 non-conference defeat, which dropped the Friars to 5-3 on the season, Coach English threatened significant repercussions for the team, emphasizing a need for discipline and improvement.
“This was unacceptable,” Coach English stated during the post-game press conference. “We had the talent and preparation to compete tonight, but when execution and focus waver, the result is what you saw. Changes are coming, and they will be felt.”
The Friars had bright spots, with Jayden Pierre (Elizabeth, N.J.) leading the charge with a career-high 22 points, including five three-pointers, and six assists. Jabri Abdur-Rahim (South Orange, N.J.) and Corey Floyd Jr. (Franklin, N.J.) also contributed 14 points apiece. However, inconsistent defense and lapses in key moments, including allowing an 11-1 run in the first half, cost the Friars dearly.
FIRST HALF STRUGGLES
Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako paced the Hoosiers with a dominant performance, while Providence battled to stay within reach. A strong start, including a Pierre three-pointer that gave the Friars an early lead, quickly evaporated as Indiana took control with precise ball movement and relentless rebounding.
Despite trimming the lead to five late in the first half with a 9-2 run, the Friars entered halftime down 44-34. Jayden Pierre led the charge with 10 first-half points, but Coach English cited the team’s inability to sustain defensive pressure and capitalize on momentum as key factors in the deficit.
SECOND HALF FALLOUT
The Friars struggled to contain Indiana’s relentless offensive attack in the second half, allowing the Hoosiers to maintain a comfortable margin. Coach English expressed frustration at the lack of urgency on both ends of the court.
“Effort is non-negotiable,” English emphasized. “We can’t be outworked, out-hustled, and expect to compete at this level.”
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
Coach English hinted at potential lineup changes and stricter practices ahead of the Friars’ next game, signaling a clear message to his team. “Every position is earned. We’ll find players willing to do what it takes, or we’ll make adjustments,” he declared.
The Friars now look to rebound from the loss and channel their coach’s stern warning into improved play as they continue their non-conference schedule.
