Hopkins, Cooley Ready To Lead Friars Against Kentucky

Providence Friars Head Coach Ed Cooley has led his team to the NCAA men's basketball tournament seven previous times. Number eight is tonight when the Friars take on always tough Kentucky.

Last year the Friars got the attention of the basketball world when they went on a magical run in the tournament. It ended in the Sweet 16 when they lost by five points to Kansas.

The game will come down to scouting. Neither team have met in the tournament. But all time the Friars have never beaten Kentucky. In fact the last time the two teams played each other was back in 1976 when they played in the NIT at Madison Square Garden. Kentucky won that game 79-78.

But Kentucky Coach John Calipari says that Ed Cooley is a great coach who is coaching great players. He says it should be an intense game from beginning to end.

The next chapter for the Friars begins tonight in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Tip off is scheduled for 7:10pm tonight.

(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 16: Bryce Hopkins #23 of the Providence Friars warms up during a practice session ahead of the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 16, 2023 in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Photo: Getty Images


View Full Site