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St. John's and Providence Rivalry Heats Up Ahead of Big East Tournament
Potential third meeting between bitter rivals could feature renewed tensions after February brawl
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The ninth-seeded Providence Friars must first get past No. 8 Butler in the opening round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. But a potential third matchup between the Friars and No. 1 St. John's would be highly anticipated, as the two teams have developed a bitter rivalry, including a brawl during their last meeting on February 14 that led to a three-game suspension for Providence's Duncan Powell.
Why it matters
The rivalry between St. John's and Providence has intensified in recent months, especially after star player Bryce Hopkins transferred from Providence to St. John's. Their previous two meetings this season, including Providence's win at St. John's in January, have been physical and contentious, setting the stage for a potentially explosive third matchup in the Big East Tournament.
The details
In their February 14 game, a fight broke out between the two teams, with Providence's Duncan Powell at the center of the incident. Powell was suspended for three games as a result. The two teams have split their two meetings so far this season, with Providence handing St. John's one of its two conference losses at Madison Square Garden on January 3.
- The Big East Tournament is being held at Madison Square Garden.
- Providence and Butler will face off in the opening round on Wednesday.
- If Providence advances, they could meet No. 1 seed St. John's in a potential third matchup of the season.
The players
Duncan Powell
A Providence player who was suspended for three games after starting a brawl between the two teams in their last meeting on February 14.
Bryce Hopkins
A star player who transferred from Providence to St. John's, further intensifying the rivalry between the two schools.
What’s next
If Providence defeats Butler in the opening round, they would advance to face No. 1 seed St. John's, setting up a highly anticipated third matchup between the bitter rivals.
The takeaway
The renewed tensions and physical play between St. John's and Providence have turned their rivalry into must-see basketball, with a potential third meeting in the Big East Tournament promising even more drama and intensity as these two teams battle for conference supremacy.
