UConn vs Providence - Big East Tournament Quarterfinals - 3/9/2024

we welcome you to the 2024 Big East women's basketball tournament sponsored by je a full house is ready at mohen Sun in Uncasville the Providence frer is in the house as are the top seated 21 time Big East Tournament champion Yukon Huskies it's Providence in Connecticut to start our quarterfinal Marathon here's a look at the bracket after this one on FS1 we'll head to FS2 with coverage the rest of the day a big one two bubble teams Villanova and Marquette in our other day session quarterfinal coming up I'm John Fanta my partner for this marathon is Kim Adams and welcome to Mohan son Yukon such a big East Dynasty yeah at the Hall of Famer gin Orma said going into this conference tournament it's a bit nerve-wracking why yeah there's not a ton of depth to this Huskies team due to more unfortunate injuries Gino is going to rely heavily on a couple of freshman but they did go unscathed 18 and0 in Biggie's CL much in part to these two veterans paigee Beckers and Aaliyah Edwards both top five in the conference in scoring Paige Beckers was named conference player the year but she said I would actually give my vote to Aaliyah Edwards Aaliyah Edwards also gives this Huskies team about 10 rebounds per game and John you see the efficiency both over 50% from the field this season let's turn to the huskys opposition today first year head coach Aaron bath of the Providence frier she had a balanced performance Coach B likes to start the off out Olivia Olsen her 12th double double of the Season 16 and 12 but it was a full team Affair four players in double figures a season High 10 made threes for the pror capping off this highlight with Emily archal who was huge 17 points for the Friars these teams have not met in the postseason since the 1990s Providence on one side Connecticut on the other will the Huskies put their best basketball together during March are they made to be a dark course we begin to find out [Music] next yes Providence has two mascots Huxley and frier Dom they're ready as Providence gets ready to take on top seated Yukon in the Big East women's basketball tournament let's welcome in the third member of our team Megan Caffrey hey John well Gino's not the only one nervous for this one Providence head coach Aaron B told me honey I would be lying if I told you I didn't have any free game Jitters however you con is a challenge that this Brier's team is ready for they played the huskys just 7even days ago so they are fresh in their head and Coach bat said trans transition defense and second chance opportunities are going to be big for her team Aaron bath coming over from Kim Barnes or Rico staff at Michigan she was a great player at Clemson an all ACC defender back in her playing days let's get to our starting lineups they're sponsored by Jeep there's only one so we talk talked about Paige Beckers and Aaliyah Edwards ni mule fills out that big three for the Huskies yeah Gina warma said those three are going to have to take us through this postseason run na mule leads the Big East with more than six assists per game she's getting it all going for Providence they'll look to get more production like they had yesterday as we talked about it these teams met a week ago you you know Orma said this Kim that because of the way Connecticut has been struggling with some shooting here as of late opponents are getting right back in transition not even trying to offensive rebound yeah I mean we just heard it right there in Megan's report transition defense a huge Focus for Providence Providence is a stronger rebounding team when you look across the conference so we'll see how they choose to battle that a little bit our officials Billy Smith Z ESO and Sarah Williams Connecticut in the white Providence in the black it's the first of four quarterfinals on this Saturday at Mohan [Applause] Sun the tip belongs to the friers Providence beating Butler to win a big East Tournament game for the first time in three years yesterday that's a catch and shoot for phell long on that one and it will belong to Yukon what else are you zoning in on with the Huskies heading into this conference tournament yeah I think Gino is looking to see how his freshman are going to respond well that's a nice way to set the tone for Paige Beckers the Big East player of the year and I think that right there is going to be important the veterans kind of leading the way as the young players embark on this new postseason Journey 21 points per game for Beckers now a spin that one off for phell backers again at this time offensive rebound though for Ashlin Shader foot wases out of bounds [Applause] Paige Beckers has been shooting very efficiently from Deep this season just a simple setup of that one a hard jab step to get herself open that's a good sign cuz jto said you know as a team we haven't been shooting the ball as well as we have at earlier points of the season so to get her fired up early positive sign ni mule called for the [Applause] foul that was a point point of emphasis by gin Orma to his point guard hence that emotion because in the home loss to not name you got into foul trouble and Gino said NAA it's not as if we have 8 nine 10 players where we can just replace you with somebody you have to stay on the floor you're precious yeah that was a a learning moment for her really for any of these players on the floor they don't have the luxury of going n or 10 Deep fosa dribbling that for foot here's KK [Applause] Arnold mu surveying and that one taken away by Olivia Olen that's going to be fun to watch inside today Olivia Olen and Aaliyah Edwards Olen really stepping her game up this season in her junior year Archer ball able to reel that in the friers keep it [Music] 10 on the shot clock Morales Romero the transfer with four Marta Morales Romero and this is what we saw from Providence just yesterday in their first round wi 10 made threes that was a ball screen where both players favored Olivia Olen inside mores Romero knocks it down back in the starting lineup has spent some time out of it of veteran presence and Providence packing it in defensively [Applause] early Barrell with a nice fake and it will stay with the friar Marta Morales Romero in her first season with the Friars coming over from Wake Forest just a nice decision there seeing both players going into the post to defend and just a little smooth step back that's a nice entry to archal Aaron bat just raved about what Emily archal did yesterday to impact the game in that first round win now Beckers called for a travel and this is a sharp start for Providence Providence is starting things on the defensive end but how about this execution a hard set screen Emily archal coming off that left side and Paige Becker's trying to get to it but a little bit too late another entry to olon and Providence has come out to play how much do you sense a different energy with Aaron B oh there I mean there's just confidence briming right now we just saw it from Olivia Olen in that move taking it right to aiyah Edwards I told you get your popcorn out for the match up inside between those two aah Edwards takes it right back to her you also said coming into this Providence could be argued as the deepest team in this leag absolutely there's not a lot of depth right now to a ton of the the top seated teams in the Big East kraton St John's NOA Providence has has bodies to go seven on the shot clock that's a contested three it's off and shade comes down with it shade catch and Shu the Big East freshman of the Year couple of huskies who have to mark in transition Ashlin shade one of them transition defense not just stopping the ball but locating Shooters on the [Applause] perimeter wide open for the three Olsen off Arnold just looks to connect with shade that her foot was out of bounds Edwards Aaliyah Edwards has just been a monster inside all season long the confidence the physicality and then the Inside Out balance bigest freshman of the Year Ashlin shade knocking down her first triple of the [Applause] afternoon Olen again they look to enter in the post and Beckers was having none of it I like the intention for Providence Brin farell a player who can take you inside take you outside but really nice Health defense on the back side from Beckers her 36th block of her Big E Player of the Year season yeah she's leading the Huskies in Block she has really turned things up on that end of the floor five on the shot clock for frell and she loses it back to the Huskies you just see the Huskies really swarming anytime that ball is C coming inside see the double team coming over from the opposite elbow that time from KK Arnold so Providence is going to have to look to move the ball quickly out of the post and maybe Repose for a better look Packers into Edwards Aaliyah Edwards is ready for the postseason those two match up sizewise inside so that time Ali Edwards coming up the post a little bit that mid paint area just to find a little bit of Separation against Olen and Providence with backto back turnovers taking us to our first time out seven unanswered for the top seated huskys some early nerves at Mohan sun is he pep band during this month the Yukon pep band will be quite busy they start a mohan Sun the huskys up by three early on Providence as we do a Yukon season review a 26 and5 record K Adam and the four of the five losses coming against some of the best teams in the country they were unscathed in the Big East the closest any opponent in conference play got was Katon at 20 points and Becker am just charging this team yeah you know a lot of people anytime you can loses a couple of games it's like the world is crumbling down but unfortunately this was a another story from Yukon as we've seen in recent years five players lost for the season a fud played just two games Aubrey Griffin was playing until about early January before getting injured in a game so just really unfortunate and and pretty incredible that they were able to go 18 and0 in the Big East despite those five players being out you see Caroline duch Maisy fud just took a seat but fud will be back next year the big picture question that I have for you going into this week and and coming into this month it's hard to believe that the streak of 14 final fours was even reality it came to an end last year for Connecticut what's it going to take for them to get back there this year yeah I mean it's going to take pretty close to perfect performances as we talked to Gino earlier about the loss to South Carolina the loss to Notre Dame it's going to take a heck of an effort from Paige Beckers and Aaliyah Edwards but the is is just the players are going to have to play a lot of minutes a setting like this where you're trying to win three games in three days not easy for the Huskies that's Brin farell from downtown Bren frell a player who has just really LED this group in Aaron Bath's first year they're best shooter from three at about 40% on the season transfer from Florida there's KK Arnold and you see the Friars players talking a little bit little miscommunication something that has to be very good defensive execution communication when you're playing Yukon because of how many scoring threats there are on the floor and Connecticut's made their last five field goal attempts slashing in is [Music] Olen that's a fourth prior turnover and again you see that quick and heavy double team in the post no matter who it's going into that time it was Olivia Olen Aaliyah Edwards coming down from the top side Olivia olon recognizes it but just an errant pass that's where you want to just take a moment to collect yourself you may be able to take a dribble out of it before the pass but also teammates are going to have to be ready to relocate on the perimeter to where they can find them out of the double team Arnold again that's a welcome sight for gin Orma because KK Arnold was just around a 33% three-point shooter in the regular season yeah back to back triples from Arnolds who also could have been named bigie freshman of the year just like we saw in the player race between Paige and Aaliyah it could have been Ashlin or KK Bren farell is hot in this opening quarter it's really been a strong start for Providence just coming in confidently I've really liked their effort on the defensive end and they're knocking down shots shade off the dribble ashin shade and the Huskies freshman ready to go yeah you just see the high IQ there reading how the defense is playing it we saw her knock down a three earlier that time finding the nice pullup game at the free throw line fifth turnover for Providence we've got some good offense in this one early John KK Arnold they were playing off of her a little bit she makes him pay for the second time and then Bren frell 40% three-point shooter one dribble step back she's been hot to start Yukon was just 5 for 23 from three a week ago against Providence they're four for six to start this game Arnold driving and she [Music] travel well you con certainly is familiar with this building John they're familiar with the Nets the rims 38 and one all time in this building they've never lost a Big E Tournament game here so they may have refound the shooting stroke a little bit never lost a big East Tournament game here and they come into this one having won 30 consecutive Conference tournament games between the American and the Big East the last Conference tournament lost to Notre Dame in 2013 Big East tournament Beckers flying in Paige Beckers is special this is where Yukon is Maybe the most dangerous in transition KK Arnold leading the break Paige Beckers cutting across the lane aiah Edwards staying out of her way and getting the N1 to fire up this noon Mohan Sun Crow she thought she had missed that free throw but it goes in and Not only was she honored as Big E Player of the Year earlier this week she was also recognized as the Big E scholar athlete of the Year her fall semester PPA over 3.9 are you serious 3.9 Paige Beckers I wasn't familiar with your academic game putting in putting in the hours study hall office hours and Paige that's praise coming from a pen graph I know about the the books and the [Applause] balance student athlete not easy five on the shot clock here and phell can't connect and we got a foul on the [Applause] Friars gin Orma talked about his star in Beckers and he said I'm seeing less of her it means she's busy at all hours the gym is the first commitment said that never waivers but between her academics between all of her great endorsement deals Pig Beckers runs around the clock yeah I mean for all of these young women there is a lot going on in this day and age of college basketball so to just keep the focus on the floor on your production is impressive paage Beckers is on a haer that's 11 in the opening quarter smooth PE living up to that little nickname that I may have just come up with it this time but she has look smooth I like it shot clock off Edward was with the rebound and Yukon can hold it for the final shot of the quarter 10 seconds left this crowd would like someone to take this shot it's in her hands with three Beckers with two Paige Beckers with the floater and that'll do it Connecticut ends the quarter on a 14-3 run strong start for Providence biggie second team member Olivia Olen getting things going but it's been all Yukon here in transition Paige Beckers 11 points in the first quarter here at the Big East quarterfinal the Big East Player of the Year paig Becker off to a hot start here at Mohan sun already in double figures and we're seeing the versatility of her scoring she's knocked down two threes you see the one dribble pullup very dangerous in transition taking theact and then you have to be up on her on the three-point line Providence has gone under screens a couple of times they've simply given her too much space 11 points also all also three assists in that first quarter for Paige Beckers 20 games this season of at least 20 points and against top 25 teams this year Kim Paige Beckers is averaging 22 and2 points four rebounds three assists two blocks you talked about that three per game how have you seen her evolve in season yeah well I I know we don't want to focus on the past but it's still pretty remarkable that we're seeing her one year removed from being out for nearly two years 600 days nearly so just to see her efficiency where it is how she's impacted the huskys on the defensive end as well the shot blocking and just we we saw there in the Highlight how she can score in multiple different ways entry to Edwards who got Olsen in the air and she's fouled that's fre welcome Megan Caffrey hey John well just listening in on that Providence huddle Aaron bath is a self-proclaimed dragon that she likes to call herself and that was very evident in that huddle she's looking for that same fire from her team saying we need to play more physical and be more disciplined here in the second quarter first of all I love Aaron bat's white jacket that she's rocking today the prior white and black she is a pleasure to speak to we're lucky to get to talk to her before games hear her in postgame press conferences but she has brought confidence to this group toughness she cares about them so well and we're seeing that reflected in the way that Providence has not just played in this tournament but all season [Applause] long had a terrific career at Clemson under tiger great head coach Jim Davis part of a sweet 16 team was there in b and played internationally for p pananos six on the shot clock here for phell it's down to three does she know it it's at one and that's a shot clock violation the Yukon defense continues to be on point whether it's the double teaming in the post whether it's how they're playing screens I think they've adjusted well on Bren frell who knocked down a couple of early threes they're playing her tighter along the point line now shade in for [Music] Arnold ice Brady also starts this second quarter on the floor for [Applause] Connecticut Brady that is a beautiful floating pass to Edwards but it's an offensive foul on Brady great take from Grace aosa it was a beautiful sequence slipping the screen the tap pass over to Aaliyah Edwards I don't know if I don't know if there was enough there to she just kind of turned there wasn't much contact but I mean good for grace of fosa for being in [Applause] [Music] [Applause] position here is aosa he's had some big gain for this Providence team this sees in that another deflection and now mule goes to the deck and is fouled Yukan continues to just be active defensively Naik mule leading the way on this possession Yukon again continuing to send two to the ball on the inside and unfortunately Olivia Olen getting called for just being in the wrong place at the right time there here is mule fourth on the charts for all time assists in Yukon history a floater for Edwards but FAL did just enough defensively there well it was a great post up from Aaliyah Edwards it's more about the angle of the pass in it was a tough to make it from the top of the key ni mule maybe wants to take one dribble to the right because Aaliyah Edwards had her defender on her back you announcing yesterday this will be her last season at Ukon she announced it in quite fashion she had a photo shoot with Gino in a Mercedes convertible I think it was fosa off would you expect anything different tangle up there and Olsen is fouled I I if we had had more time with Gino I would have liked to ask like did he agree easily to that I mean he's rocking Shades I feel like he was very reluctant to that idea but you haven't seen the pictures it's worth checking out how would you describe the na mule Gino or B well it's certainly come along from Ma's freshman season and they certainly have a great Bond now as he's they've grown trust with each other on the [Applause] floor Jen rosadi was someone that Gina Orma compare mule to early in her career this has that Vision tied up with Renee Montgomery entering this game in career ass say she's trying to find Edwards but Providence is denying that yeah so that time Providence switched things up they had the smallest player on the floor Grace aosa trying to front Aaliyah Edwards and Gino expected this he said teams are going to be so physical with us inside especially a team like Providence who is so deep because they can afford to get a couple of fouls by gambling on physicality because they have the bench to go deep Grace aosa making plays on both ends of the floor she has been such a steady guard for them all season long averages close to 13 points per game had 13 yesterday against Butler you said it [Applause] steady Beckers got a step PS and hits 13 for Beckers already and you could tell ERS wanted to get the ball in her hands in that moment settle things down a little bit she draws the mismatch of Olivia Olen on her takes her off the bounce catch and shoot for Pharaoh got it Brin pharoh has three trifectas and that's something that certainly frustrates one of the greatest coaches of all time you've already let a player knock down two threes how is she that open to make a third now a steal from aosa Providence was one of the Big E's best defensive teams and now a fosa with an and [Applause] [Music] one we see you gracea fosa we saw her make a couple plays on the defensive end she's got some flare to these drives this time Bren frell wide open for her third triple and then Grace aosa defense to offense how tough has she been the little onehanded finish with some contact Grace sa fosa has this game backed within single digits for Providence Aaron bass was so complimentary of aosa with us earlier this week she said the senior who's been with the Friars throughout her career when you take a job as a head coach you don't know how the players you'll inherit will will take your teaching and she loves the way that these veterans have taken it backers can't be stopped right now 16 points H Beckers really loves the Nets here at Mohan Sun she is just so in Rhythm doesn't need a lot of time that's her third triple you have to really defend the three-point line with her first based on how she's playing and now Beckers with a steel Connecticut is 6 for eight from downtown so much for those shooting Wes they were having that we spoke to Gino about before the game they made just five against Providence last week 5 for 23 that is quite the turn as we get a foul underneath on frell yeah things are getting real physical inside Bren phell getting tangled up with ice braady and that was definitely the right call there to try to clean things up in the post there's a lot of kind of hooking and tangling up going on right now that was frell's second foul so nah Scott check in look at the hustle here from archal who is fouled Emily archal as we mentioned just had a huge game yesterday in the first round 17 points seven rebounds three assists three Steals and these are the energy plays she makes and it was a really touching moment actually when I was listening to Aaron Bath's postgame presser from yesterday's win Emily archol came up to her and said I've never done this before where we get to stay at the tournament and play another game and that just sums up the impact that Aon B has had in her first season and now Grace Sosa sizzling if you want to know is there a new energy in frier toown we're watching the examples of it here from this Providence program and they were down 26 to3 yeah I'm just so impressed by how hard they're playing how confident they are against this Yukon team backers looking for Edwards Edwards this time steps back and still connects Providence doing a lot of switching defensively so that time again it was gra sa fosa on her but Lee Edward's really having to work against this Providence defense to get a touch and then to get a good look off she does it that [Applause] time Provence has made their last four shot attempts and we get a foul underneath on Brady taking us to a timeout the Providence Friars continue to be extremely confident here in the quarterfinals Grace sa fosa has caught fire the guard up to seven points getting it done on both ends everybody wants me to address the elephant in the room um unfortunately this will not be my last senior night here that is how you announce that you're coming back she tried to trick the crowd I think they their hearts dropped for a moment but absolutely love this decision for Paige Becker I think she still has many chapters to write as a Yukon husky due to the various injuries to her but she has gotten off to an incredible start here already 16 points incredibly efficient six of eight we've mentioned that she leads this Huskies team in blocks this season and also Distributing as well four assists the Huskies have 10 assists on 13 field goals to start the game you just look at the way Beckers came into this big East tournament six 20 plus point games out of the last seven 230 plus point games against depal in Villanova and Gina Orma says her personality is one of the most unique that he has ever gotten a chance to coach with he said everybody asked me wouldn't you want to spend time with your grandkids he said I don't have to spend time with my grandkids I've got Paige that's the same thing as having a 14-year-old yeah I mean it's been an interesting season she has been outstanding I do think she has been a little bit overshadowed this season because of different things going on Nationwide but I think Paige is so deserving of a ton of respect and attention and I think she's due for a big March Orin Edwards is long depal head coach Doug Bruno brought that up in his press conference yesterday after the bootan fell the seat in Hall the Women's Basketball Hall of Famer said hey everybody's talking about Miss Clark and they should be with what Caitlyn is doing new record passed yesterday for single season 3es but Doug said let's not forget about Paige Beckers let's not forget about all the great players in women's college basketball yeah there are a ton of them right now you look at the youth movement Juju Watkins Hannah Hidalgo can't forget about Le Edwards who's having a phenomenal season in the post let's rejoin Megan thanks John will Gino has to be pretty happy about that defensive effort from his team his message in the Huddle was no more fouls get your hands away from people and on offense guys look for a little bit more movement from the huskys yeah well Megan turnovers have been an issue for Yukon in this game Providence has been really gritty on the defensive end uncharacteristic almost 10 turnovers already for Yukon Edwards with the head of steam and she's [Applause] fouled coming up on the Jeep halftime report we'll have first half stats and Analysis and we'll have a preview of Marquette and Villanova the 4 five quarterfinal is feeling Bubblicious oh it is I don't want to get too too much into our context we're obviously going to discuss it at the half but Villanova sweat those two meetings by three points each so Marquette looking for revenge in meeting number three let talk about her more on the teeth half time recort Katon and SE Paul at 7:00 St John's and Georgetown at 9:30 the other three4 finals for our audience are on FS2 friendly reminder just how long we will be at the arena tonight you you me and Megan doing all four wouldn't want it any other way absolutely got a foul here on Samuels to a rather Arnold to A Chorus of f Grace sa fosa after scoring 13 points yesterday against Butler seven in this quarter what do you see in her game well she's just such a tough guard she is really commanded the respect of the conference because of how she can put up numbers and she's been extremely confident she's been physical in her attacks and I really like what she's bought on the defensive end as well she's a big part of those 10 turnovers that Providence has forced that one off for Samuels she had a 29-point game earlier this year josa against Villanova one of providence's signature wins we get a foul on Banda Mak Caff has more on Grace Sosa yeah John and Kim and you have to remember Grace Sosa has been riddled with injury throughout her career and when I asked her what she learned from it without hesitation she told me I learned about my drive she said when she was injured for the second time she wanted to keep playing more and more and didn't want to necessarily have to wait but that drive kept her motivated and disciplined in the work she had to do to come back yeah gracea fosa missed 11 games midseason with a hand injury and she came back not missing a Beat Just getting right back to her big time scoring efficiency and she's been consistent all season long since coming back from that injury and domma with a tie up possession arrow is with [Applause] Providence this continues to be a very physical game inside on both ends Yukon can continuing to send double team Kaden Samuels another freshman getting in the mix there [Music] [Applause] 10 on the shot clock aosa with an extra pass gets it back with five she kicks to Scott Scott with the jump stop that's [Applause] off rebound to Arnold and Providence wants to stay steady defensively here under two minutes we know Yukon can go on a big time run you want to stay solid Edwards is swarm by Friars lot of contact there she can't believe she's stomach on the floor Gino livid right now as we've said it has been really physical inside she's been swarmed by Defenders Gino's having to be held back right now he was held back not happy and now a foul from behind on Edwards yeah I think the officials need to get this under control a little bit I mean it it's getting a bit out of hands inside especially on this end of the floor as Providence being real physical with Aaliyah Edwards I mean is is GRA aosa not tangled up there with Aaliyah Edwards Gino gin Orma just live in the fans are really getting into it but I do think the officials need to take away the physicality of the game inside it's it's a little bit beyond the means right now seventh foul by Connecticut in this quarter Providence with five so both teams are in the bonus to close out this quarter and if you're Providence look at where they are in this game a chance to be within 10 here yeah I mean it's been a impressive opening 19 minutes or so like I said it's the intensity on the defensive end is the confidence There's No Fear Factor right now that this is the Goliath of the Big East they are going to to toe that's such a great Point Ken in Aaron bass's opening press conference she said we know that this program's been in the basement of the Big East enough is enough Beckers is left open she's short and now a chance to be within single digits here as we hit the final minute of this half and you can just sense a new wave of energy around this Providence program Lauren Edwards she was a ga at the start of the year on the team they discovered she had some eligibility she's got the basketball now with six Olen was stripped by Edwards and Edwards is fouled by Olen and if you're Aaron bath you maybe somewhat live with that foul from Olivia Olen because you like the fight you like her trying to get back at the play it's her second foul so she will come out to protect from getting that third but love this right now Aaron Beth huddling him up getting them back settled reminding them of of the confidence that they need to have out [Applause] there she told us she doesn't like to see her players on the bench with her just a total Energizer Bunny she does not curse if she gets mad she says food phrases and she gets really angry she and sandwich I did not know that yeah Aon B you know as loving as she is she says I coach these women hard and they allow me to coach them hard and that's why we're seeing the response from them here in the opening half of the [Applause] quarterfinals a tangle up and that looked like it went off Morales Romero it did so Yukon can hold for the final shot of this quarter you just see what a pest defensively KK Arnold could be I thought she could have been in the running for defensive player of the year did not go to her but I think she will get that award in the future if not next [Applause] season and these two teams met a week ago it was 37-6 at halftime in favor of UT here's Beckers short osa's got three seconds Grace aosa with to aosa to beat the buzzer sheep Dives the Friars close the half with a [Applause] surge and that was interesting there Paige Becker's leaving some time on the clock for Providence to answer Yukon doesn't get the bucket gra Sosa has had a phenomenal opening 20 minutes she is super quick in the open floor rebounds getting out in and out gracea fosa into double digits 12 points and that is a momentum building play to lead in the halftime Megan hasino Orma thanks John coach you stress to your team defense how can they effectively continue to keep that energy up here in the second half well I don't know um I think the fouls are are becoming a real issue you know um so we got to figure out a way to you know the first quarter was great you know with second quarter I thought we just you know we lost a little bit of our discipline and um you know and and that affects you offensively as well you know we we just got stagnant um but our defense will be our our defense will be okay we just need to get more contributions on the other one it's it's like Paige and Aaliyah and everybody else kind of watching so we got to get more people involved thanks coach as we take a look at leading scores sponsored by Jeep our stat comparison Grace aosa with 12 of providences 15 points in the second yeah I mean her energy levels don't show up in this graphic or on the stat sheet that's what she's brought to this team but she has also scored the ball at a high rate many a time going defense to offense what a half for the senior guard that's the end of this first half with the score Connecticut 38 Providence hanging in 28 we'll return to Mohan son right after this break the G PA time report is next [Music] family in the house az35 that is high level Kim Adams that's great for her fans and that's her mom they are here to support her even though she's not able to play with the team right now looking forward to seeing ay fud back out there Megan cafrey caught up with Providence head coach Aaron bath what did you find out well John you know how Kim highlighted Yukon swarming defense in those halftime highlights that is one thing Aaron bath talked to me about she said we need to handle yukon's pressure a lot better we just need to keep it simple and then she did challenge Olivia Olen in this second half to get a little bit more involved and a little bit more physical physicality was the story of the opening 20 minutes yeah great stuff Megan Olivia Olen the teams leading score just two points on four shot attempts Arnold off what have you liked the most about Providence I mean I think I said it all first half it's just a fight they've come out with and the confidence that is perfect execution Morales Romero and I was going to say as Megan reported on I think they do want to start to balance out that scoring a little bit more reminder they had four players and double figures in the win over Butler yesterday so there hasn't been much outside of aosa andell as good to have been that three off interesting Sarah Banda starts the second half for Providence yeah maybe a little bit of a message to Olivia Olen Morales Romero was left wide open and this is a fivepoint game Marta Morales Romero with five quick points to start this second half to cut the lead in half Edwards has that deflected K what a start by Providence Morales Romero has taken on the point guard duties for this team this season unexpectedly due to injury she can shoot about 35% from three and it's a quick start for her PR team has cut it to five we've done this quarterfinal game since yukon's come back to the Big East they've never faced this kind of an obstacle it's never been close mule in transition yeah we've seen at times where this this first quarterfinal game may be out of hand by this point well that is not the case today because of Aon B and her talented young women f a little bit Long offensive rebound though and a great effort by Arch ball Providence played at 11 a.m. yesterday try to stagger things out so a little less than 24 hours to get ready off the win over Butler Osa pulls again this time she's off and we got a foul on [Applause] archall continues to be a physical start inside archal nothing intentional there but just hard impact with Leah Edwards who's taken a lot of hits so far in this Big E tournament they are being extremely physical with her inside backers it's a defensive foul a trip by aul [Applause] set and we know Grace fosa I don't know about that John I thought she was in pretty good position there I don't it maybe I don't know if it was was enough to be an offensive foul but I don't I don't know if that was a defensive foul I have to agree with you it's interesting Yukon started 6 for eight from three since then 0 for their last six those shooting Wes G Ori told us about him Arisen that's a catch and shoot for Morales Romero she is short mule attacks can't hit another battle for it will stay with the [Applause] huskys seventh alltime Big East tournament meeting between these two teams but they haven't met this event since [Applause] 95 Edwards with the offensive rebound and she's fou yeah you can't just jump straight up with aiyah Edwards especially if she has a couple inches on you Emily archal needs to put a body on aah Edwards and push her out of the paint That's the fourth foul for archal so that is a tough early second half moment for Emily archal with the four fouls as Niah Scott checks in and Edwards off on her first yeah Emily archal was such a big component of what they did yesterday Aaron Beth pulling her aside for about 20 to 30 seconds speaking with her probably about you know just being a little bit smarter the importance of having her on the floor one of the finest performances of her career yesterday against Butler 17 points she shot Seven for n and here comes a Zone from Yukon yeah two three Zone been a force Providence to try to hit from the outside they hit 10 triples yesterday Morales forero hangs and she broke right through the middle of the Zone I love that first possession you see Zone you attack it right away Morales Romero continues her very hot start to the second [Applause] half Edwards is just having a tough time finding a rhythm in the post mule is short and we got a foul on voma and that will be reviewed for excessive contact Edwards is down and in pain oh no I mean this has been a theme of the game the physicality inside against Aaliyah Edwards specifically this might be a better look at it Sarah bandoma yeah I mean she did extend that arm to put a hand right to the face of Aaliyah [Music] [Applause] Edwards [Applause] we're going to take a break while they review and we'll have more after this welcome back to Mohan son providence's Sarah Banda called for an intentional foul on this play with Aaliyah Edward to his exit to the locker room yeah so intentional means unnecessary and excessive which I definitely think this is the correct call she wound up a little bit but unfortunately Aaliyah Edwards was down for a while towel in front of the face the entire time just a really tough scene you can make your own assumptions about what you see on the towel there but just feeling for Ayah Edwards right now who had to exit back into the wings of the Arena hope we get to see her back out here folks to be clear we are getting word as soon as possible on exactly the situation for Edwards it it was hard to tell Kim on that Collision exactly what she was holding but she was bleeding yeah and it's we know she is as tough as they come so to see her on the floor for as long as she was I mean it has to be something incredibly painful and now as a result of the intentional foul Yukon could shoot any choose any player to shoot two free throws it'll be Paige Beckers and they will retain possession after these two free throws you said it with Aaliyah she is the huskys Iron woman she's only ever missed one game in her career when you consider this team over the last four years all the injuries they've dealt with that bench sums it up the one player that they've pretty much always had on the floor is Aaliyah Edwards and now Kim how does that change the game yeah well she has been their model of consistency model of durability they're very used to having her on the floor so now we see ice Brady who's essentially a freshman she was here last year but injured so now this is three freshman on the floor for Yukon and three fouls for Brady she has to watch that you essentially already have basically a seven woman rotation mule drives and scores it and that'll count really important response from a veteran there you just lost one of your sisters out of the game again we don't know if she'll return or not but ni mule just putting the team on her shoulders right there love the emphatic response and end one for the point [Applause] guard so now Providence down by nine putting together a valiant effort and a big assignment for Brady against the friers his Kim Providence likes to enter it to Olen and Company in the post Scott hits it [Applause] [Music] home their six [Applause] triple four out one in for Yukon backers is short and Osa has it and now this is really a time to try to get things into Olivia Olen Aaron bath did not start their leading score had her come off the bench but a turnover there for the friers KK Arnold and one for KK Aaliyah Edwards has exit in the game her teammates rising to the occasion KK Arnolds I feel like if you're a real fan of these two programs you'd be at both games today plenty of time to be at this one and get back Providence this has been a big East battle very physical game bodies on the floor seven players have at least two fouls across both sides Aaliyah Edwards has been at the brunt of it she's currently out of the game we hope to see her back out there we'll see if we can get an update but this has been a theme of the game this is the unfortunate hit that had Aaliyah Edwards down for a while and then back into the locker room but you know it's just interesting John because the officials are being evaluated right now they're trying to get pick for the NCAA tournament reducing physicality in the game is always a theme so we'll see how this game and this tournament really continued to be whistled John fan Kim Adams Megan Caffrey with you on FS one to start quarterfinal Saturday in the Big East women's basketball tournament sponsored by je as you saw on the lower bung there Villanova Marquette 230 FS2 in our four five game and fosa stays hot she's got 14 and seven she just a tough guard she has brought toughness all game long and she has been efficient from The flooor Brady had been altered by Scott and it's a foul big moment for ice Brady stepping in for Aaliyah Edwards you did tell us she has the three fouls but that time slipping the screen to find an opening top five ranked recruit out of high school McDonald's allamerican Jordan brand slam allam had all of the accolades and as you said this is now a huge spot in a lot of ways they've been waiting for that doorway to to open and perhaps she can make the most of an opportunity yeah I mean it's it's been a tough start to the career getting the injury right away missing a full season playing behind an All-American and Aaliyah Edwards they've seen glimpses of what her greatness can look like but this is certainly a big spot for her to step [Applause] up gotot it short and Arnold is there with the board Arnold TAMU and fosa can run and fosa with the Euro takes the contact and she'll go in the line for a pair and you always want to be careful with getting into a track race with Yukon because of how much they could score an 81 point per game team Providence under 60 points per game game but I do like the intention of Providence to utilize their quick guards and get out in the open floor no one has done that more than Grace a fosa this afternoon talked about it earlier she was one of the holdovers on this roster that was a big task for Aaron bth when she took the job can I keep Brin farell can I keep graa fosa can I keep Olivia Olen in a lot of ways kette says a lot about that yeah I mean she's been open and transparent that really all of their star players were in the transfer portal and they all went on visit she she encourag them to go on visits and they all came back Paige Beckers big bucket [Applause] Beckers paig Beckers can always sense the moment when a big one is needed Falling Away still gets it to go and completes the three-point play we are just giving an update from Yukon Aaliyah Edwards is not returning to this game but Paige Beckers is willing Connecticut 19 points for Beckers as Providence calls a timeout well that is certainly a real Cloud over this game for Aaliyah Edwards we mentioned has been so durable throughout her career who has had a tremendous senior season took an unfortunate hit to the face was down for a while and it's just it is sad to see her not be able to come back into this game she's only ever missed one game in her college career back in 2020 against Villanova this the quarter final semis tomorrow Yukon and Providence the winner of this one will be in the 230 Eastern Time game on FS1 let's take a look at the huskys from a resume standpoint there's nobody that challenged themselves more in the non-conference here's an overall look yeah so Yukon lost five games on the season all five of those losses teams currently in the top 15 four of them in the top 10 so like they always do they have fully challenged themselves they've got 18 and0 in the Big East I think people still have questions can they get back to an elad eight can they make a run to the final [Applause] four certainly the depth is something that is been problematic at times Paige buckets has [Applause] 22 at 72 plus point games in the last eight 40th 20po game of her [Applause] career exstra opportunity for Providence farell with a floater that's short and look at Brady get to that basketball yeah ice Brady just going after rebounds I still would like to see Providence try to get it into Olivia Olen a little bit more there that was a one-on-one ball screen I thought they could have brought it over to her Megan reported at half Aaron bath wanted to see her get more involved I think they've got to find some openings to get it inside tour especially with the Lee Edwards out of the game shade off one dribble ashon shade and we are seeing some of these Huskies kind of have a sense of rising to the moment with Ayah Edwards exiting the game just some big time playmaking and shot making has occurred since that happened we're telling you information that we're getting in real time folks as a fosa scores she's up to 19 points we now can clarify through Megan caffry our reporter that Aaliyah Edwards is out for the remainder of this game and the injury is her nose KK Arnold is short Becker offensive rebound and put back right now Paige can't be stopped Paige is dialed in right now different level scoring getting on the glass on the defensive end she's putting the team on her back up to 24 points and now Olen is called for an offensive foul and Olen is hurt walking off a shot to the ankle she's going to try to play through it ice Brady has been entered into this Center position being active on the defensive then getting half to rebounds being physical [Applause] inside Olsen real Ginger right now on that ankle Brady out of [Music] bounds you see she struggling through it and now Aaron bath recognizes that yeah going to get her checked out Emily archal picked up those four early fouls Olivia Olen also now has four fouls so in addition to getting checked out they've got to monitor her foul situation you talked about those turnovers at halftime that was just the first Connecticut turnover of the second half Scott is long at 12 in the opening half offensive rebound here for the [Applause] prior barell trying to weave it to Edwards kick to the corner Corner one off and here comes [Applause] [Music] Beckers Beckers again oh Paige Beckers 27 Paige Becker's automatic right now I love how she sort of slowed the tempo there a little bit John got her team gathered up and then Providence it's just given her too much space that's her fifth triple of the afternoon that Edwards injury just Sparks something out of the All-American offensive foul on Arch ball then Yukon has picked up steam they'll have it with 5.8 this is one of those patented Yukon runs where they can just overwhelm you and the game can change on a dime Kim any doubt who's taken [Music] this I'd uh probably keep it in the hands of the player who already has 27 points but don't be surprised if she quickly gives it up but not too much time here here we go she does gets it back Beckers with one Paige Beckers that would have brought the house down she wanted it but she has 27 points and has matched her season high with five triples after a tight first half Yukon a 24 Point third quarter see if they could close it out here and get to the semis she is one of the Nations elite players smooth P he has 27 points on 50% shooting she's knocked down five threes she has five rebounds five assists two steals two blocks this is a full complete performance from Paige Beckers who hits another level when the moment is bigger we are in postseason time and Paige Beckers wants us all to know it Beckers his five offer season High which is 32 against seeden Hall earlier this year seven offer career high with shean against Arkansas a couple years ago the other story line is Olivia Olen with the four fouls but she came down on Ice Brady's foot in the end of the third quarter and so she has been dealing with an ankle issue ever since and also Emily archal fouled out of this game John 17 points in their last game Scott blocked brutal for Arch ball so foul trouble and some injuries if you're just joining us Aaliyah Edwards exited this game in the third quarter with a nose injury she will not return but since Edwards accident yukon's out scored Providence 21 [Applause] to6 barell to the basket BR farell Bren farell first bucket of the second half she had a really big opening half on three threes see if they can get her going a little bit three friers in double figures [Applause] they've had 10 different players hit double figures in a game this season Beckers is off Brady battling Morales Romero fighting for it this is the Big East tournament let's revisit that Olivia Olen injury yeah poting up here with ice Brady and looks like just had an awkward Landing just hate to see injuries any time of year hate to see injuries in postseason see if they're able to get Olivia Olen back in the game mu catch and shoot is short G throwing his hands up I mean just got to stay Smart in shot [Music] selection Morales Romero is long that discipline or has been searching for and that's play to their strength fuel to Arnold and one Yukon can hit different levels in the transition game NIU grabbing the rebound going right up the floor nobody meets her able to get deep in the paint dishes over to KK Arnold and one bench is loving that one and you mentioned it John we've seen a lot of plays like that since Aaliyah Edwards unfortunately had to exit the game it's like it's awakened something deeper in her teammates this program has fought through adversity on the injury front to the level that no other Powerhouse in women's college basketball has had to deal with over these last four [Applause] years they know how to take a [Applause] punch and now Beckers goes to the deck and calls a timeout she does do it all we'll take a timeout too Connecticut up by 18 looking to advance with the Providence pep band playing here at the Big East tournament though Yukon is in control here early on in the fourth quarter tomorrow Zack Edy continues his path towards backto back player of the Year Awards when he leads number three Purdue in their regular season finale against Tyler wall and Wisconsin it all tips off tomorrow at noon Eastern only on [Music] box that'll be quite the scene at Mai Arena Megan Caffrey has more on Olivia Olen thanks John well you can see here a little bit that Olivia olssen is still behind the Providence bench getting looked at by the athletic training staff they're working with her taping her ankle icing it trying to have her walk a little bit and she could really just barely put any pressure on that right ankle yeah just a tough day for Olivia Olen who yesterday had 16 points and 12 rebounds she's had some foul trouble today now the injury trying to work through it and get her back out there it's a tough break for the [Applause] friar Beckers has 27 here's ice Brady who's been inserted into action here and gets the friendly bounce ice Brady showing some range there and set up nicely by Paige Beckers who drew two off of the screen and kicks it back to the confident freshman the foso had a nice day off this time and it'll go back to [Applause] Yukon well Kim G orama told us this you see the F's day he said look we figure if we can get to 70 75 points it doesn't matter because we're never going to let the other team at least in this league get close to that we'll let our defense do the talking and right now ice Brady's turning it on that was a nice disch from Arnold let the Freshman do the talking KK Arnolds has shown how she can impact a game today in multiple levels that time creating and dishing over to ice Brady who continues to be impressive stepping in for aiyah Edwards back door and a lay in for Hall who's just checked in but that mindset at least right now looks the part of or yeah on the whole this has been a lower scoring Big E conference this season a lot of games battling out the 50s or 60s creating a team who can run it up but outside of that Gino trust their defense once they're able to get into the 70s or 80s Scott is fouled by Arnold Arnold not a fan of that yes that's a big story line in this conference tournament there's a 24 and4 team in the building now two of their losses are to Yukon but the C and blue jays we heard from multiple coaches this week that do not think kraton is getting enough enough recognition nationally for what they've done this season f with the steel gives it right back on mistake oh Scott can't put in the [Applause] bunny Arnold mule left open Cash na mu's three-point shooting has been pretty improved this season she actually leads the team in terms of percentages 41% tied with paig Beckers but she can knock it down O Na not happy right now foul on Brady that look of shock let's see what na is upset about here there's some lower body contact I think maybe na thought she got called for the foul she didn't it was on Ice Brady there was some lower body contact there well Kim they were within single digits early in this second half the fola now has her third 20-point game of the season if you begin to flip the pages of the book ahead [Applause] how much stock are you buying in the Aaron bath ARA oh give me all the stock I mean we've had the pleasure of speaking with her on multiple times this season incredible to hear her vision her positive outlook for this program and you know they're not probably going to get a win here today but I think great steps were taken for the program over the last two days that was the fourth foul on Brady by the way Beckers knew she missed it got it back she's fou all gas no breakes right now for Paige Becker she's not looking at the scoreboard she's not looking at the time she is giving 100% effort here until the final buzzer 27 points seven rebounds and six assists and we have to extend the box score to see what she's done on the defensive end as well waiting for it to load here but I know she has at least three Steals and two blocks you are absolutely correct on both numbers forget about the Wi-Fi and we get a timeout we will stay here well the looming question now will be what's the latest on Aaliyah Edwards who has just come out of the tunnel oh man listen to this [Applause] crowd I can't lie fanda like my eyes are welling up a little bit just hearing this scene it looks like she's getting a little bit emotional just how much she has meant to this program she's coming out like a prize fighter take the cape off unfortunately we can't get her back in the game today her parents so proud looking on rocking the Jersey I really hope we get to see Aaliyah Edwards back in this Big E tournament I hope this is not the the last we see of her and just took a really tough hit to the nose as was reported this was in the third quarter I mean she had taken hits all game and I think you know that's what we were talking about officials needing to get it under control a little bit she's welling up here so emotional for her to not be able to come into this game I I sure do hope that we will see her tomorrow or Beyond in this big East tournament in her last deserves it she does that Ovation was incredible and in her last 10 games she's averaged over 20 points and close to 12 rebounds amazing productivity that was a really powerful scene inside this build totally one of the more emotional moments I've seen covering the sport [Applause] shade is long this time four and a half to [Applause] go winner of this game we'll meet the winner of our next game coming up on FS2 at 2:30 eastern time it's Villanova and Marquette fosa 23 points for Grace ofosa she's had a phenomenal afternoon toughness is the word that we keep referring back to but that is what she has personified for every minute she's been on the floor whether offensively or [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] defensively shot clock at six mule to k k Arnold switch you mentioned it earlier John KK Arnold not really known for having mindblowing three-point numbers but she is three of six from deep in this game just over 33% in the regular season but as you know as Arnold takes a shot that's an offensive foul on Banda talk about her three-point numbers we have to we have to get the stat on how many times KK Arnold has gotten on the floor this game every time we look she is taking a hit she's diving after a loose ball and that is what you absolutely love to see from a freshman paig Becker says she's a joy to play with freshman to freshman all three of these shade this time the unselfishness of KK Arnold she could have had a layup she puts a little uh analytics there goes for the three instead of the open two you use that phrase all gas no breaks that's been Yukon since Edward went out just think of the minutes that they've played in this game and yes Providence is in their second game in two days but Yukon has only gone seven deep they're playing Big Time minutes and they are still fully [Applause] exerting Arnold the left hand whoa now she's just showing off Showtime that's what I was going to say these these freshmen are atypical we talked to Gino before the game he said ahead of the Season you know I thought they were just going to get their feet wet her and ashle shade P maybe 10 minutes a game they are now starting playing 30 plus minutes a game and making a huge impact it wasn't the plan but you know where am has been used to going to plan B C D E FG the last couple of years and these freshmen they were going to get a sprinkling of minutes not this month now Orma will bring in Ben Court listen to this for Paige Beckers 29 Points and what does Paige do she goes right to check in on her teammate Aaliyah Edwards on the bench still just so tough to see aiyah Edwards looking emotional there all banged up a paig making sure she's she's got her nice pass from Ben cour to [Applause] Brady Beckers just three offer season high today with those 29 as Arnold goes down and now Arnold is [Applause] hurt [Applause] let's take a look here so it looks like a hard impact I mean you hope that it's just a tough knee to the thigh type of situation obviously we're not going to speculate but another hit for Yukon and that's the the issue for Gina Oriana he he doesn't really have a bench to go to to get his best players out of the game he is I think he's put in everybody that's available he's taken out the three veterans but he simply doesn't have a sub right now to take out KK Arnold or ashin Shay look what he has to do he has to bring mule back into the game he's out of huskies and he's already playing five players short this season now Arnold it's good to see she's walking under her own power but there's more players in sweatsuits than jerseys unfortunately that is the reality that this Yukon team has had to keep powering through game by game and that's why Ori described this as nerve-wracking previously they they they have an injury and Kim the national narrative was well they've got another player they've got two or three they're they're an embarrassment of riches no not this Yukon it's just lost so much as Brady hits that from bport it's been a silver lining here to Ayah Edwards going out I think ice Brady is finding some confidence here her first postseason game she's had some nice moments offensively and [Applause] defensively final minute [Applause] here Gino saying Slow it Up N I had to put you back into the game but let's take things down in auctions close out this game safely eight on the shot clock here down to five for Kaden Samuel she'll lay it in an exclamation point for the Huskies closing in on a 31st consecutive Conference tournament win and they'll be moving on to the semifinals we'll meet the winner of Villanova Marquette [Music] [Applause] [Music] tomorrow Aaliyah Edwards went down but like they always do the PowerHouse Huskies counter punched Yukon is on to the Big E [Music] [Applause] semifinals nice Embrace there John I do want to take a moment to applaud the job that Aaron B has done in her first season at Providence a great tournament showing for them big things to come for the prior the question now what will Ayah Edwards status be going forward with that nose injury suffered in the third quarter Edwards has only ever missed one game in her career so the senior will see what's in store tomorrow 2:30 eastern time here on FS1 when the huskys meet the winner of our next quarterfinal which is between Villanova and Marquette coming up on FS2 at 230 Paige Beckers 29 Points nine rebounds six assists as we look at final stats yeah this is an efficient offense Gino had mentioned some shooting struggles coming into the tournament better than 50% from the floor knocking down 11 threes they really cleaned up the turnovers in the second half and then they got a lot defense to offense 21 points off of turnovers Megan has Paige buckets thanks John Paige a really physical game today what types of toughness did you and your teammates display today uh we knew coming in it was a physical game um we actually played them last week a week ago so we knew what to expect very physical team they play pretty rough cuz that's that's just their style of play so we knew that coming in um I thought we did a good job of handling it um not showing too much back and forth but just staying in our game staying compos um Aaliyah gets beat up every single game here so it it's what she's used to unfortunately she went and we had a lot of different guys step in but we sort of knew what this match up was going to be like coming into it you mentioned aiyah right there I saw that you shared some moments with her when you came back to the bench what does she mean to this program she means everything she embodies everything about Yukon uh resilience consistency um availability um and just Relentless effort every single game every single practice um and she's been doing it the entire four years she's been here so she means everything to us she's our anchor um our most consistent piece um and we wouldn't be here without her thanks Paige thank you Connecticut takes it as we thank you Megan Caffrey aiah Edwards parents mom with a smile right now Yukon winning their seven straight and getting to 27 and five and you see those young ladies waiting on the All-American what a performance for Beckers today 299 and six yeah she was phenomenal really LED this team at times when they needed it Mo stepped up in some big moments put the younger players on her back but just a strong showing overall for the top seed Yukon huskies and one can only hope that that smile on aiyah Edwards mother's face is a good indicator for what's ahead the Huskies will be back in Action tomorrow 2:30 Eastern Time right here on FS1 we're moving to FS2 for more Big East women's tournament action 230 Villanova Marquette for now for Megan caffry Kim Adams I'm John Fanta you've got a winner in the Big East quarters thanks for watching [Music]

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Length: 86min 55sec (5215 seconds)

Published: Sat Mar 09 2024