After underperforming in non-conference play and dropping games to Big Ten and SEC schools, Providence knocked off a team from Texas before starting Big East play.

That might sound familiar. It should.

In a year that has been anything but predictable, the Friars are experiencing deja vu.

Last season, Providence was picked to finish in the top half of the Big East. That prediction barely lasted a week, as the Friars fell to Northwestern just eight days into their season. Six weeks later, a thirty-two point loss to the Florida Gators dropped them to a 6-6 record, and their NCAA Tournament hopes seemed nonexistent.

With the season appearing to crumble apart, the Friars took on the one-loss Texas Longhorns to round out their non-conference schedule. To the surprise of many, Providence dominated, winning 70-48 and controlling the game throughout. In a season that once seemed lost, the Friars were back above .500 with a quality win heading into conference play.

This year, it's been more of the same. A top-three projected finish in the Big East, followed by losses to Indiana and Alabama, and then a decisive win over the one-loss TCU Horned Frogs to finish the out-of-conference slate with a winning record.

After the Texas game a season ago, Providence got a much-needed ten day break. The time off after a big win gave the team time to reset and build off of their victory, in addition to some time for the athletes to be students and take their final exams. This year's schedule afforded the Friars no such time to rest. With all of the uncertainties surrounding this season, Big East games would start two weeks earlier than last year.

The initial schedule had Providence playing not one, but two, games during finals week. Both Xavier and UConn would be making their visits to Alumni Hall before Christmas. However, that was not to be. Positive tests within both programs resulted in both games being postponed. DePaul would be scheduled as a replacement, but they, too, would have to move their game after positive tests.

As a result, the Friars are once again repeating the events of last season. High expectations. Early struggles. A strong non-conference finale. And now, a long break before their first Big East game. Eleven day gaps are not often found in the college basketball season, but, once again, it may be what Providence needs to get going. That time can be spent fine tuning the issues that plagued the team against Indiana and Alabama, building camaraderie within the team, and focusing the mind on the season to come. Not to mention, allowing time for the student-athletes to focus on being students.

Last year, this recipe worked for the Friars. Ed Cooley used the time to help right the ship. They started their Big East schedule by winning four out of their first five en route to a school record twelve conference wins. Will that be the case this time around? Only time will tell. But with a world as chaotic as ever, Providence has found a familiar rhythm in the chaos of college basketball.

Providence is scheduled to take on Seton Hall at the Prudential Center this Sunday at 4:30 PM on Fox Sports 1.