By PAUL GOTHAM
COLUMBUS, OH — Atlantic 10 meets Big East when No. 11-seed Dayton (26-8) meets No. 6 Providence (22-11) at Nationwide Arena, Friday night.
Dayton is coming off a dramatic win over Boise State. Providence fell 63-61 to Villanova in the Big East semi-finals.
La Dontae Henton (19.7 ppg/6.4 rpg) leads a trio of Friars in double figures which includes Tyler Harris (10.2 ppg).
Kris Dunn scores 15.8 while handing out 7.6 assists (3rd in the country) per game for Providence.
“He’s about as impressive of a point guard as I’ve seen in a long, long time,” Dayton’s Archie Miller said. “The last guy I think I’ve seen on film that startles you at that position was Kemba Walker, when we were getting ready to deal with him.”
The 6-3 guard has had eight double-digit assist performances this season including a triple double (27 pts/ 13 rebounds/ 11 assists) versus DePaul while his 2.8 steals per game put him in the top five of the country.
“He’s so dominating in the game on both ends of the floor, Miller continued. “The ball hits people’s hands on time like I’ve never seen it before. Not only is he tough to deal with as a scorer, he puts the ball where it needs to be at all times, and I can see why so many people are high on him after getting a chance.”
Dunn shared Big East Player of the Year honors with Ryan Arcidicono and Defensive Player of the Year with St. John’s Sir’ Dominic Pointer.
“Providence presents a lot of challenges, not just him,” Miller stated. “But he’s really a special player.”
Led by Henton the Friars average more than a dozen offensive rebounds per game game and grab nearly 40 of the available offensive boards.
“I think the one thing that Providence brings to the table is a real athleticism and physicality on the glass,” Miller said. “It will probably be number one on the report of, it’s got to get done or the season will end.”
As has been the case for the past three months, the Friars front court will have a size advantage over Dayton with Henton (6-6) joined by Ben Bentil (6-8) and Carson Desrosiers (7-0).
“Rebounding the ball to me, I think size is overrated. I’ve said that, “Miller noted. “I think guys naturally are good rebounders. Dyshawn (Dayton’s Pierre) is a great rebounder. He has a way of getting the ball. Our perimeter guys will put their nose in there and go get the ball. Teams that don’t rebound well at times, I think it’s about wanting to go get it.”
“We got our work cut out for us with a great team in Providence,” Miller concluded.
The story line does not change for the undermanned Flyers who have two players on the bench.
Jordan Sibert (16.4 ppg) leads three in double figures. Kendall Pollard adds 12.9 and Dyshawn Pierre nets 12.6 points per game. Scoochie Smith (3.9 apg) and Kyle Davis (2.4 apg) lead an offense which ranks 25th nationally with assists on 61 percent of their made baskets.
“They’re going to spread you out a little bit and drive it,” Providence’s Ed Cooley pointed out. “Everybody talks about our length versus their (being) undersized. It’s not about size or girth in these games. It’s about how big is your heart and how willing are you to give it up for your teammate to move forward.”
Henton originally committed to play at Dayton before previous coach Brian Gregory left for Georgia Tech.
“I’m a firm believer in everything happens for a reason,” Henton said. “Coach Gregory left Dayton, and I opened it back up. Providence came calling me. It’s been a right fit ever since I came here, and I think it’s one of the best decisions I made in my life to come to Providence College, and everything is working out for the best.”
Providence makes its second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament and 17th all-time. Providence averages 70.s points while holding opponents to 65.5.
UD also makes back-to-back trips to the Dance and 16th in school history.
Dayton is 23-4 when holding opponents under 70 points. UD is 68.9 points and 13.9 assists since December shooting 47.6 percent from the floor and 37.8 percent behind the arc.
The winner gets the survivor of the No. 3-seed Oklahoma (22-10) and No. 14-seed Albany (24-8) contest.
Dayton and Providence are scheduled to tip off at 9:57 pm.
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