Tom Quinn ’29
Staff Writer
Providence, R.I. — College basketball is officially back, and the Holy Cross Men’s Basketball Team’s season is underway. The Crusaders ultimately fell to the Providence Friars at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in their season opener Monday night, 89-79. Despite the loss, there are many bright spots to take away from this game that should make for an exciting season.
Both teams came out strong, trading points. From behind the arc, both teams went 0-for-10 in the first five minutes. What caught my attention was Holy Cross’s defense early on in the first half. They played especially great defense on the perimeter, and made it difficult for Providence to find a rhythm.
The Friars closed out the first half on a 19-8 run, led by Freshman guard Stefan Vaaks who had eight points during the run, six of which came from behind the arc.
The Crusaders came out firing in the second half, hitting four consecutive three-pointers on a 12-4 run to cut into the Providence lead. The second half lead for the Friars hung around 10-13 until Providence stretched that lead to as high as 20 points midway through the half.
Holy Cross certainly did not go down without a fight, going on a 26-12 run to cut the Friar lead to as little as six points. The late second half run would not amount to a comeback as the time expired.
In the loss, the Crusaders had a few players shine. Tyler Boston had himself a career night, scoring 25 points to go along with four rebounds and six assists. Boston looked smooth running the point, finding his teammates for good looks, and getting to the rim with ease.
He showed off his impressive range, with three made three-pointers, and his excellent free throw shooting. Boston went 10-for-11 from the free throw line.
Alongside Boston, Freshman Aiden Disu shined in his collegiate debut, with 16 points, five rebounds, and two assists. Disu looked smooth and comfortable in the environment considering it was his first collegiate basketball game.
Another player who caught my eye in their performance was Sophomore forward Aidan Richard. He led the Crusaders with 10 rebounds, and played excellent defense all night. He was a real spark in the Holy Cross comeback effort.
Richard’s knack for rebounding especially stuck out given the smaller lineup Holy Cross Head Coach Dave Paulsen sent out to start the game. The 6-7 Freshman Aiden Disu started at the 5, but played a traditional 5-out spread offense using their speed to exploit Providence.
Rebounding efforts from guys like Richard made these lineups possible, and proved to be of big help on the glass.
The Providence fans and students certainly showed out for the Friars’ home opener. With just over 9000 in attendance, the energy was through the roof. I was seated at Press Row right in front of the Providence student section, and they certainly did not let up on the Holy Cross players.
The Amica Mutual Pavilion or “The AMP” as Providence natives refer to it, was rocking to the tune of the Providence College band, and the echoing chants of the student section.
Next, Holy Cross travels to Provo, Utah to take on the No. 8 nationally ranked BYU Cougars led by Freshman phenom and Brockton (Mass.) native AJ Dybantsa.
Overall, despite the opening loss, there are many positives to take away from Holy Cross’s efforts against Providence, and I am excited to see what the team can accomplish this year.
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