Providence downs DePaul at Wintrust

Despite trailing by as many as 12 points early in the second half, the Providence Friars picked up a road win against the DePaul Blue Demons Friday evening, 71-64.

Jalen Lindsey led the Friars with 18 points, but it was a balanced effort for Ed Cooley’s bunch, as four players ended the night in double figures. Alpha Diallo had 16, Isaiah Jackson had 15, and Rodney Bullock had 12.

DePaul had a chance to tie the game with a three with 20 seconds to play, but Max Strus missed a three which led to a wide open dunk for Bullock. DePaul then missed another shot and fouled Jackson who got the margin to seven. Marin Maric played well for the second straight game, leading the Blue Demons with 15 points. The graduate transfer has been a welcome addition this season.

The game was unique due to the fact that both Cooley and DePaul head coach Dave Leitao were mic’d up for the entirety and there were no commercials. That means we got to hear both coaches on the sideline, in the huddle, and in the locker room. This was the first time something like this has ever been attempted in a men’s college game, and it was pretty cool.

While some folks on Twitter felt that it took away from the flow of the broadcast, many others were very interested in getting a bit of a behind the scenes look at what goes on during a game. I’m in the latter camp. I would welcome more of these games in the future.

Providence improves to 12-6 and 3-2 in Big East play. They’ll host Butler on Monday. DePaul falls to 8-9 and 1-4 in Big East play. They travel up I-94 to Marquette on Monday.