Friars Journal: Change in strategy puts PC back on track

PROVIDENCE — Development will take a backseat to just winning basketball games for the Providence Friars over the next few weeks.

As the Friars navigate their non-conference schedule, coach Ed Cooley would like to sprinkle minutes and valuable experience throughout his roster with the goal of being ready to go by the time the Big East games begin in January.

But with a freshman backcourt and waves of veterans being asked to fill more valuable roles, the Friars won’t have many soft nights on the schedule. That was certainly the case in Tuesday’s 70-61 win over Holy Cross.

As Cooley expected, the Crusaders dictated the pace of the game and, once they hit a few shots, took control. Down nine…