Providence puts renewed confidence up against Butler

Field Level Media|published: Fri 9th February, 14:23 2024

Feb 4, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Providence Friars forward Josh Oduro (13) drives against Villanova Wildcats guard Jordan Longino (15) in the first half at Wells Fargo Center. credits: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Providence will attempt to build off one of its most impressive wins of the season when it faces Butler on Saturday afternoon in Indianapolis.

After dropping back-to-back games, the Friars (15-8, 6-6 Big East) snapped out of their cold spell with a 91-87 overtime victory against No. 19 Creighton on Wednesday.

Josh Oduro paced Providence with a game-high 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Devin Carter supplied 28 points and 11 boards for his seventh double-double of the season.

Carter forced the extra session, drilling a deep logo 3-pointer to tie the game at 78-78 with 28 seconds left in regulation.

Even though his team managed to build some momentum with the upset, Friars coach Kim English realizes things won't be getting any easier against Butler (15-8, 6-6).

"They look like the Minnesota Timberwolves. They are playing at such a high level right now," English said of the Bulldogs. "So it's time for our guys to lock in."

Butler rattled off four straight wins before falling 71-62 to No. 1 UConn on the road Tuesday. DJ Davis finished with 21 points and Jahmyl Telfort chipped in 17 for the Bulldogs, but leading scorer Pierre Brooks II was held to just five on 2-of-10 shooting.

Despite the loss, Butler coach Thad Matta was still pleased with his team's effort.

"We have to make shots. We can't go 4-for-18 (from 3-point range)," Matta said. "I give our guys credit. I thought they kept fighting. Defensively, they kept playing."

In addition to Brooks (16.0 points per game), Telfort (14.5) and Davis (14.3) have headlined the Bulldogs' offensive attack.

Carter averages a team-high 19.0 points per game for Providence, which is also getting 15.9 per contest from Oduro. Carter and Oduro are also averaging 8.0 and 7.3 rebounds per game, respectively.

Providence is 4-5 since Bryce Hopkins was lost for the season with a knee injury.

Providence beat Butler 85-75 in overtime Dec. 23. The Friars lead the all-time series 19-5 and are riding a seven-game winning streak against the Bulldogs.

—Field Level Media