Providence and Butler Meet For the Second Time in a Week

THE FACTS

Time and Date: Wednesday, December 30 @ 5:00 pm ET

Records: Butler (2-3) | Providence (6-3)

Rankings: Butler (#72 KenPom) | Providence (#63 KenPom)

TV Channel: FS1

Watch Online: FOX Sports GO

ODDS

Spread: Providence (-5.5)

Over/Under: 138.0

via OddsShark

GAME PREVIEW

Just seven days after Butler beat Providence 70-64, the two teams will have a rematch. Butler took the holiday week off and will be playing its second consecutive game against Providence; the Friars won a double-overtime thriller against DePaul in their most recent appearance.

Providence will be looking to bounce back from a dismal offensive performance against Butler in the 12/23 matchup, while the Bulldogs will look to continue their stout defense. Friars not named Nate Watson shot just 33.3% from the field that night to go with 15.4% three-point shooting. Their shooting was only slightly improved against DePaul, but A.J. Reeves made four triples which was a great sign after he went 0-7 from deep against the Dawgs.

Meanwhile, the Baby Bulldogs, as some are calling them, will look to continue their growth. With two freshmen starting at guard once again, Butler had just ten turnovers against Providence, their second lowest turnover total of the season. The Dawgs’ defense also looked much improved as they recorded seven steals in addition to holding Providence to the poor shooting mentioned above.

As has been the case for several games, there are question marks around whether or not Aaron Thompson will suit up for the Dawgs. Though Butler has proven it can beat Providence without him, there is no question that LaVall Jordan would love to see his star point guard out on the floor.

Can the Friars drum up enough offense to get revenge on the Dawgs? Or will Butler complete the Providence regular season sweep for the first time since joining the BIG EAST?