A crazy circumstance forced the Seton Hall and Providence basketball teams to suspend their game Wednesday night at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, and finish it Thursday at another venue.
The arena also hosts the American Hockey League’s Providence Bruins. According to reports, the uncommonly warm evening in Rhode Island caused condensation to form on the basketball court from the ice beneath it.
Temperatures in Providence Wednesday night hung in the low 60s, very warm for New England in February, and it’s likely those managing the arena were not prepared for the unique circumstance.
The Pirates (18-9, 7-7 Big East) led the Friars (17-10, 8-6 Big East) 56-47 with 13:03 left in regulation when the game was suspended.
Seton Hall hung on for an 89-77 win Thursday. The game was concluded starting at noon at Alumni Hall on Providence’s campus.
The visiting Pirates were able to get laundry done, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Goodman, but Seton Hall coach Kevin Willard decided to coach Thursday’s conclusion wearing something casual.
Providence coach Ed Cooley dressed up for the rest of this game. Seton Hall’s Kevin Willard? Went with sweats. pic.twitter.com/aHTGjgGsl3
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) February 22, 2018
This was the right call to make, but it might have come too late. Some players were slipping on the court during play Wednesday, and Seton Hall’s leading scorer, small forward Desi Rodriguez, rolled his ankle and was ruled out for the rest of the game. He did not return Thursday, either.
• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.
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