Let's Learn About: the Providence Friars
Who are these hoopers of the cloth?
I know, I already did a free preview of Kentucky vs Providence…but I wanted to spend a bit more time diving into some of the analytics and some of this season’s games that are most instructive to look at when analyzing this matchup. Besides, it’s March Madness…I can’t get enough basketball stuff.
I spent some time digging deeper into the analytics around this matchup, and I’ve got a feeling that some of the keys will be:
Kentucky should own the boards: Kentucky has a much stronger track record of holding up on the defensive and offensive glass against better teams
Providence will probably get to the line more than Kentucky: Kentucky played a surprising number of foul-happy teams in a foul-happy conference, but Providence has done a good job of keeping teams off the line consistently
Providence can guard the rim: Kentucky shoots a high percentage at the rim, but Providence has held similar teams below their average
The biggest wild card for me is UK having an above average game either in avoiding turnovers or hitting threes. A common factor in Providence losses is one of those factors going poorly for them on defense. There’s also a hidden factor where UK has enjoyed a big advantage lately, but that may dissolve a bit during NCAA Tournament play.
For paid subscribers I’ll explain more and dive into the numbers a bit….and now until June 1, new subscribers get 1 year for 50% (less than $20!)
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