The Butler Bulldogs play host to the Providence Friars in a crucial Big East showdown on Thursday evening from Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Friars coming into this one playing their best basketball of the season and with five wins in a row would love nothing more than to extend it to six games before 2023. For Butler, back-to-back losses have them searching for that first Big East win themselves. Last season, providence was able to sweep a trio of games against the Bulldogs, and with four-straight wins overall, confidence is high even as they take to the road in this one.
After winning the Big East last season, Providence is off to a quick start again this go-around. They come into this one with a 2-0 record in conference action, though neither has come easy. On the road against Seton Hall, they only won by four points, while it took double overtime for them to take down Marquette last week. Having not played in over a week, rust will be a slight concern, especially early on, but there's no doubt that the Friars won't be daunted in this one. It helps that Providence has already played a few road games this season and with a winning record across those games, in addition to the success that they had last season, they'll be feeling good about their chances to spring the win in this one. The Friars have a road against DePaul looming and there's no doubt that they'll want to keep their winning streak going with that New Year's Day matchup coming up quickly.
The Fria rs have one injury to worry about as they draw nearer to Thursday's tipoff, as Quante Berry (undisclosed) remains out indefinitely. Having yet to appear in a game yet this season though, it's unlikely that his absence in the backcourt drastically alters this one.
Men's Basketball Game Notes At Butler https://t.co/TrPplSZZmZ
— Providence MBB (@PCFriarsmbb) December 27, 2022
Last season, Providence turned heads with their tenacity on the defensive side of the ball, while this year has been all about offensive efficiency. The Friars rank 31st nationally in scoring and are 55th in field-goal percentage. The real strength has been their ability to dominate on the glass, on both ends, which is sure to pay dividends in this one. Bryce Hopkins (16.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg) will have his way in this one and with Butler's weakness being their frontcourt, this is a matchup that the Friars will be thrilled for. Not to be forgotten are quite a few guys from last year's successful run anf that experience is huge.