Providence Friars vs Butler Bulldogs Picks and Predictions March 12th 2025

Butler, Providence Enter Big East Tourney on Downturns

NEW YORK — Providence and Butler ended disappointing regular seasons with the dubious claim of being among the Big East’s coldest teams.

Struggling Teams Set to Face Off

Two teams on lengthy losing streaks will open the Big East tournament Wednesday afternoon when eighth-seeded Providence faces ninth-seeded Butler in an opening-round game. The winner will advance to face top-seeded St. John’s on Thursday.

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Providence (12-19) is concluding its first losing season since going 15-17 in former coach Ed Cooley’s first year in 2011-12. The Friars also finished with a losing conference record for just the second time since then and were without star forward Bryce Hopkins for most of the season due to a knee injury.

“It’s zero and zero. Every team in this league is zero and zero now. I thought we took a step in the right direction in some ways to get some good mojo headed into the city. So excited to hook it up with Butler.” – Providence coach Kim English

Bensley Joseph was one of the few bright spots for the Friars, averaging 12.9 points per game. However, his performances were inconsistent, ranging from four games with 25-plus points to multiple outings where he struggled mightily from the field. Providence also struggled with turnovers, averaging a league-worst 12.7 giveaways per game.

The Friars enter tournament play on a five-game losing streak, with an average margin of defeat of 14.8 points. They have gone 1-9 since eking out a two-point win at Seton Hall on Jan. 28, a stretch that includes an 82-81 road loss at Butler on Feb. 8.

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Butler Looking to Regain Defensive Identity

Butler (13-18) finished with a losing record for the fourth time in five seasons and ended the regular season on a four-game skid, losing by an average of 10.5 points per contest.

The Bulldogs have struggled defensively, allowing at least 80 points in 10 games this season, including each of their final three contests. Their regular season ended with an 87-74 loss at Creighton, marking the ninth time they allowed an opponent to shoot at least 50 percent from the field.

“It’s a new season. Obviously, we got to take a look and continue to teach and coach and get better. But it’s all on the line now.” – Butler coach Thad Matta

Jahmyl Telfort has been a consistent offensive weapon for Butler, leading the team with 16.2 points per game on 47.2 percent shooting—an improvement from his 43.5 percent mark last season. He finished the regular season strong, scoring 19 points at Creighton after putting up 24 against Providence in their previous meeting.

What’s Next?

The winner of this opening-round matchup will take on top-seeded St. John’s in the Big East quarterfinals on Thursday.

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