Providence Friars Outlast Butler Bulldogs in Big East Tournament Opener

Friars' fast-paced offense too much for short-handed Bulldogs

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The #9 Providence Friars defeated the #8 Butler Bulldogs 97-87 in double overtime in the opening round of the Big East Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Providence's high-octane offense, led by Jaylin Sellers' 18 points, proved too much for Butler's limited depth after the loss of guard Azavier Robinson to a season-ending injury. The Bulldogs' star duo of Michael Ajayi and Finley Bizjack combined for 33 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Friars' balanced attack.

Why it matters

This win keeps Providence's season alive as they advance in the Big East Tournament, while Butler's up-and-down campaign comes to a disappointing end. The Friars' fast-paced style and ability to score in bunches could make them a dangerous opponent moving forward, though their porous defense remains a concern.

The details

Providence entered as 1.5-point favorites and lived up to that billing, using their nation-leading adjusted tempo of 71.1 possessions per game to overwhelm the short-handed Bulldogs. In addition to Sellers' team-high 18 points, the Friars got significant contributions from Jason Edwards (16.5 PPG) and Stefan Vaaks (15.2 PPG), as four other Providence players scored at least 7 points. Butler leaned heavily on its star duo of Ajayi and Bizjack, who combined for 33 points, but the lack of scoring depth proved costly as no other Bulldog reached double figures.

  • The Big East Tournament began on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Madison Square Garden.
  • Providence and Butler faced off in the opening round of the tournament.

The players

Jaylin Sellers

The senior guard led Providence with 18 points on 48% shooting, including 43.9% from 3-point range. He also shot 86.5% from the free throw line, tops in the Big East.

Michael Ajayi

The standout forward for Butler, Ajayi averaged a double-double this season and led the Big East in rebounding at 11.1 per game.

Finley Bizjack

Butler's other star player, Bizjack is an elite outside shooter who scored 20+ points 11 times this season, including a season-high 30 in the teams' previous meeting.

Azavier Robinson

The Bulldogs' starting guard underwent season-ending wrist surgery, dealing a major blow to their depth and scoring options.

Corey Floyd

Providence's defensive-minded wing player was questionable to play due to a hamstring injury, which could have impacted the Friars' ability to slow down Butler's offense.

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What they’re saying

“We knew coming in that Butler would be a tough out, especially with their two stars. But our guys did a great job of pushing the pace and making them uncomfortable defensively. This was a gutsy win that keeps our season alive.”

— Ed Cooley, Providence Head Coach (Providence Journal)

“Losing Azavier was a huge blow for us, and it showed tonight. We just didn't have enough firepower to match Providence's balanced attack. It's a disappointing end to our season, but I'm proud of the fight our guys showed all year.”

— LaVall Jordan, Butler Head Coach (Indianapolis Star)

What’s next

Providence will advance to face the winner of #4 Creighton vs. #5 Villanova in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals on Friday.

The takeaway

Providence's high-octane offense proved too much for a short-handed Butler squad, as the Friars' balanced attack and ability to push the pace overwhelmed the Bulldogs' star duo of Ajayi and Bizjack. While Providence's defense remains a concern, their offensive firepower makes them a dangerous team to face in the Big East Tournament.