Podcast: Changes at Bryant, weekend challenges, women's rivalries renewed

Pick and Pop College Hoops Podcast

Welcome to the latest edition of the Providence Journal College Basketball Podcast. This is Bill Koch, sports writer for the Journal. I'm joined by Nick Coit, the sports director at ABC6 and weekend co-host of Cordischi and Coit on WEEI Providence.

Full week of topics in this one. We start with a coaching change -- Jared Grasso formally tendered his resignation with the Bryant men (2:50). The Bulldogs promoted Phil Martelli Jr. from acting head coach and signed him to a long-term contract (11:55).

Brown's men are winless no more after taking care of Rhode Island College (22:20). The Bears lifted their spirits ahead of a weekend trip to USC.

Providence's men are in the Bahamas and ready for a Friday night test against Kansas State (30:10). The Friars will face either Miami or Georgia in their second game of that event, and they're coming off an impressive home win against Wisconsin.

The University of Rhode Island men will spend the weekend at Mohegan Sun (41:10). The Rams take on Northwestern and either Mississippi State or Washington State. They're 3-0 after another comfortable victory against Wagner.

Brown and URI square off in the women's ranks on Friday night (51:40). The Bears host the Rams at Pizzitola Center, and each program is in a different mood. Brown has won two straight against Big East opponents -- including Providence on Wednesday -- while URI struggled in a surprising road loss at Maine.

Bryant's women are home Friday night before hitting the road next week (62:10). The Bulldogs host Central Connecticut State sitting at 2-1, including an easy win at Stonehill.

Thanks as always for listening.