New York City- Opening night Big East Tournament. After all these years, still excitement heading from the train to MSG. There is a bottle neck getting into the Garden. A line of fans serviced on this entrance by two security checkpoints. I will miss the tip.I wonder about ever writing anything bad about James Dolan for this delay to transpire. Finally through the check point having missed just a few minutes. Butler was out to an early lead. Slowly, without panic, cool and calculating Ed Cooley fashion-the Friars chipped away and eventually took the lead. A Maliek White leaning three pointer pushed the PC lead to nine with just over a minute left. Time out Butler. At the half the Friars owned a 38-27 lead.

The first four minutes of the second half Providence still had a ten point lead. A trey by Alpha Diallo increased the advantage to thirteen. With 15 and a half to play White and Diallo have combined for 31 points, almost equaling the Butler total, as the Friars lead 50-37. Providence extends the lead to nineteen. Not only have the Friars excellent on the offensive end, the defense was outstanding. The 2-3 zone proved to be very active - keeping Butler out of an offensive flow. Transition defense, getting back to stop the break, was equally impressive.

Well, almost ready to send and lose half my story. No matter what is tried, it's gone. Thankfully the whole article did not disappear in cyberspace. At any rate. A convincing 80-57 victory by Providence who started slow, trailed early then regrouped to post an impressive win. Cooley spoke about the offensive display and did go on to praise the defense. Especially the previously mentioned zone that was very active.

For Providence, now 18-14, faces top seed Villanova Thursday at noon. Butler finishes at 16-16. Lest you think a coach can kick back and relax to enjoy a win like this-think again. Cooley and staff were set to stay up all night studying and breaking down Villanova tapes in preparation for a tip off about fourteen hours away.

Have to love the tournament.

Numbers:

Possessions- 66

Offensive efficiency- Providence 121, Butler 88

Leading scorers: White (PC) 19 points, Jordan Tucker (BU) 14.

"There's something about this building that's spectacular for the Friars. It was fun. Anytime you have an opportunity to win in this building and play in this tournament is something special." - Providence coach Ed Cooley

"Give Maliek White credit. I thought he hit a few big threes heading into the half. That gave them momentum and was a game changer." - Butler coach LaVall Jordan