Ronald Machtley: “In this past week Rhode Island has become the new State of champions. On Sunday, the Providence College Friars defeated…”

“In this past week Rhode Island has become the new State of champions. On Sunday, the Providence College Friars defeated the Georgetown Hoyas to take the Big East Championships in New York. Also on Sunday, the Brown University Bruins won the Ivy League Women's Basketball Championship by defeating Dartmouth in a one-game playoff. I would first like to congratulate the new Beast of the East, the Providence College Friars. The Friars, coached by Rick Barnes, entered the Big East Tournament in sixth place in the conference and was thought not to have a chance by the so-called experts of reaching the final game. But with spirited wins over St. John's and then No. 2, Connecticut, the Friars reached the finals of the Big East Championships. Entering the game on a seven game winning streak, PC seemed destined to take this one. Led by the shooting ability of Rob Phelps, the sweet passes of Abdul Abullah, and the power rebounds by Tournament MVP Michael Smith, the Friars went on to win the championship game for the first time. Providence now heads the NCAA Championships. The Friars look to make a strong showing this year. With the talent this team possess, I believe the Friars will go a long way in the tournament. The Brown University women's team heads into the women's tournament ranked 16th and taking on top-ranked, University of Connecticut Huskies. Led by junior center Martina Jerant, the Bruins and Coach Jean Marie Burr look to upset the favored Huskies.”