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Print This StoryNortheastern (1-1) At Providence (0-0)
GAME NOTES: The Keno Davis era begins in Providence tonight, as the Friars kick off their 2008-09 campaign by hosting the Northeastern Huskies at the Dunkin' Donuts Center. The Friars are coming off a 15-16 finish a season ago, so there was need for some change and that led to the hiring of Davis. Last season, Davis took over for his father at Drake and led the Bulldogs to one of their finest seasons in school history. Davis inherits an experienced team that welcomes back five starters and that should help Providence improve upon last year's results. Jumping out quickly shouldn't be a problem either for the Friars, who haven't lost a season opener since 1999. As for Northeastern, it has already played two games on the young season, going an even 1-1 in the 2K Sports Classic benefiting Coaches vs. Cancer. The Huskies, who return all five starters from a year ago, opened play up with a 73-60 victory over IUPUI on Tuesday before losing out to Michigan 76-56 in the regional final on Wednesday. In terms of the all-time series, Providence holds an 8-1 advantage over Northeastern and that includes a 5-0 mark at home.
The Huskies shot a dismal 29.3 percent from the field, including a poor 4- of-24 showing from downtown, as they dropped a 20-point decision to Michigan on Wednesday. It was a big drop off for Northeastern, which made good on 42.0 percent of its field goal attempts in a win over IUPUI the previous night. The team though, did shoot well at the foul line in both contests, hitting a combined 42-of-47 chances. After being limited to just six points in the opener, Manny Adako led Northeastern with 16 points in the loss to Michigan. Matt Janning added 14 points last game, one more than he scored in the opener versus IUPUI. Janning is expected to be the team's go-to-guy once again after posting a club-best 16.1 ppg a season ago.
The Friars not only return five starters, but they also welcome back Sharaud Curry, who missed almost all of last season with a broken foot. The 5-10 guard is a good scorer and his return should give the team an immediate boost. Weyinmi Efejuku (11.6 pg) and Brian McKenzie (10.9 ppg) will start alongside Curry at the perimeter, while Jeff Xavier, the team's leading scorer (12.4 ppg) last season, will provide a spark off the bench. In the frontcourt, Providence welcomes Geoff McDermott and Randall Hanke back to their starting roles. McDermott showed he could do it all last season, as he led the team in rebounding (8.1 rpg) and assists (4.9 apg), while also averaging 10.3 ppg. The 6-11 Hanke provided a presence in the paint and he chipped in with 8.7 ppg on 63.3 percent shooting from the field.
Each club is experienced and ready for a solid campaign, but the Friars have the edge in this one with their talent along the perimeter.
Predicted OutcomeProvidence 72, Northeastern 62Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.
