Providence vs. Stony Brook: Time, TV channel, watch online

THE FACTS

Time and Date: Saturday, December 14 @ 8:00 pm ET

Records: Providence (5-5) | Stony Brook (7-4)

Rankings: Providence (#68 KenPom) | Stony Brook (#174 KenPom)

TV Channel: FS1

Watch Online: FOX Sports GO

GAME PREVIEW

The Stony Brook Seawolves will take the short journey up to Rhode Island Saturday to challenge the Providence Friars. Providence is coming off a poor showing against rival Rhode Island, while Stony Brook is looking to bounce back from a loss against Hofstra.

The struggling Friars have lost four of their last five and had an abysmal performance against Rhode Island, turning the ball over 22 times en route to a 14-point loss. Incidentally, Stony Brook also had 22 turnovers in its most recent loss, so the winner of this contest may be the team that best takes care of the ball.

The Seawolves have a stud in Elijah Olaniyi. The 6’5” guard comes into this one averaging 18.6 PPG and shooting 45% from the field. He was hampered by foul trouble in the loss to Hofstra, but in the previous game, Olaniyi scored 30 points on 15 shots against Brown. The Providence backcourt will have its hands full with him.

The Friars desperately need a win in this one or they risk their recent struggles turning into an epic downhill slide. After Stony Brook, they go on to play Florida and Texas before entering Big East play, so the road isn’t going to get any easier. Ed Cooley would love to see his team find itself again before facing the forthcoming challenges.

The Seawolves are no slouch, however, and could pose a threat. They won 24 games last year including victories over South Carolina and Rhode Island; earlier this season, they gave Seton Hall a bit of a scare, leading at halftime and staying close for the first ten minutes or so of the second half before the Pirates pulled away. Providence needs to be on upset alert and come ready to play.