After Providence defeated DePaul back on New Year’s Day, head coach Ed Cooley was asked about forward Justin Minaya. Cooley described him in glowing terms, calling him “one of the better defenders” the eleventh year Friars head man had ever coached. Minaya transferred to Providence this season from South Carolina, and while his numbers may have dipped a bit, the veteran has provided an immediate impact on defense.
Fast forward to today. After leading by as many as 14 in the first half, the #17 Providence Friars found themselves in a tied game with the #21 Xavier Musketeers with just over half a minute to play.