Bryce Hopkins led Providence to 2OT upset of No. 24 Marquette last night

On3 image — PROVIDENCE, RI - DECEMBER 20: Providence Friars forward Bryce Hopkins (23) drives to the basket against Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) during the college basketball game between Marquette Golden Eagles and Providence Friars on December 20, 2022, at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

As the current Kentucky team searches for answers at the four spot, it’s worth checking in on a former Cat who is flourishing in his new home. Last night, Bryce Hopkins led Providence to a double-overtime win over No. 24 Marquette. Hopkins finished with 29 points and 23 rebounds in 47 minutes in the 103-98 upset, all career highs. He hit two free throws when the score was tied at 98 with 0:58 remaining, and, with 0:15 left, made a crucial offensive rebound after a missed free throw by one of his teammates.

“I just try to go get the ball,” Hopkins said, via the Associated Press. “That last rebound, it was pretty much just wanting to get the ball. I wanted the game to be over with, obviously.”

Bryce Hopkins went OFF for 29 points and 23 boards in a wild double overtime win over Marquette @BryceHopkins pic.twitter.com/DkSwJlPF01
— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) December 21, 2022

Hopkins transferred to Providence in April after one season at Kentucky. The former four-star prospect averaged 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.4 minutes as a Wildcat. Through 13 games at Providence, he’s averaging 16.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 33.2 minutes. Following last night’s win, Hopkins’ social media was flooded with congratulations from his former teammates.

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How bout hopski!
— lance (@lanceware55) December 21, 2022

Add Hopkins to the growing list of players who have transferred and found success elsewhere, a club that also includes Keion Brooks, who is averaging 16.8 points and 6.7 rebounds at Washington. It’s impossible to know what would have happened had Hopkins stayed in Lexington, but when you see stat lines and highlights like this, it’s hard not to think of John Calipari’s frequent comments last season about wanting to play him more.

Regardless, congrats to Hopkins on a big night. Even if it wasn’t in Kentucky blue, it was cool to see it finally come to fruition.