BIG EAST Conference preview: Title runs through either Marquette or DePaul

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Commissioner Val Ackerman addresses the media during the Big East Men's & Women's Basketball Media Day at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2015 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 14: Commissioner Val Ackerman addresses the media during the Big East Men's & Women's Basketball Media Day at Madison Square Garden on October 14, 2015 in New York, New York. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
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The Friars need more support for Jovana Nogic

CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 03: Providence Lady Friars guard Jovana Nogic (11) reacts after making a three-pointer during the game against the Butler Bulldogs on March 3, 2018 at the Wintrust Arena located in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MARCH 03: Providence Lady Friars guard Jovana Nogic (11) reacts after making a three-pointer during the game against the Butler Bulldogs on March 3, 2018 at the Wintrust Arena located in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It’s impossible to even casually follow the BIG EAST Conference and not know the name Jovana Nogic. The senior tallied 11 20+ point games and enters 2018-19 as a two-time Preseason All-BIG EAST Team selection.

However, their senior guard will need to support in order to propel Providence in the BIG EAST Conference. 2017 BIG EAST All-Freshman Team selection Chantell Williams is a likely candidate. The Friars are riding back-to-back program record setting numbers beyond the arc. However, the team averaged 59.7 points per game, while allowing 66.9 PPG, per Her Hoops Stats.

If the defensive output of the team can improve, Providence has the makings of a solid team in the BIG EAST this season.

2017-18 Record: 10-21; Tied ninth

2018-19 Preseason Poll: Ninth Place

Key Returners:

She is on track to best the Friars’ career three-point record set by Julie Wheeler ’98 (252).  Nogic is only 25 threes short of the record. She is also ninth in three-pointers made among active NCAA Division I players.

Games to Watch:

Opening Game: Providence at Penn State – Thursday, November 8 at 7:00 pm

Quinnipiac at Providence – Thursday, November 15 at 7:00 p.m

BIG EAST Opener: Saturday, December 29 at Marquette, 3:00 p.m.