Minus injured star Bryce Hopkins for all but three games, Providence dropped its last six and finished 12-20 in English’s second season — including 6-15 against Big East opponents. It was a significant step backward for the Friars, who went 21-14 the previous year and reached the Big East Tournament semifinals.

While neither team is particularly impressive, Providence has largely held Butler in check through two meetings, winning one by double-digit points and losing the other by just one. The Friars win the rubber match to advance.