Carter Lifts Team Into The Semis
Photo: Special to the NY Beacon
By Samori Benjamin
In the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament Thursday night the number two seed Creighton Blue Jays stormed back from a 13-point second half deficit to take a one-point lead over the seven seed Providence Friars with 5:34 remaining on a bucket from Junior guard Trey Alexander. When Providence guard Jayden Pierre nailed a three with 3:39 remaining to give Providence back the lead 70-68, they would not relinquish it, and Providence pulled an upset 78-73 to move themselves to the semifinal round.
Junior guard Devin Carter out of Miami, Florida had team highs 25 points and 11 rebounds as he played the entire 40 minutes to lead the way. Carter suffered an injury in the game. With Providence on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament come selection Sunday it became a matter of will. “It was a must win game. We want to keep our tournament dreams alive, and we want a Big East Championship,” Carter said at the post-game podium. “I looked over at Baylor, and Kalkbrenner and I knew they haven’t come out the game,” referring to two of Creighton’s players who also played the entire 40 minutes. “So, I was like I could do the same as well. So, it was motivation, seeing them push through it and trying to outlast the opponent.”
Providence first year Head Coach Kim English gave kudos to Carter after the performance. “He’s a warrior,” the coach said. “I enjoyed watching him. A few moments throughout the season, I’m just in awe. He’s once in a lifetime.
Now the Garden crowd can see Carter and Providence again Friday night against #3 seed Marquette as they try to advance to the finals round of the Big East tournament.
