Providence lost 75-69 to Butler during their opening game at the Big East Tournament. The Friars' season is now over because of the loss. They finished 12-20, which is just the second time in program history they’ve had 20 losses in a season, having previously dropped 20 games during the 1984-85 season.

Someone had to win this opening game and take on top seed St. John’s in a prime Thursday afternoon quarterfinal slot. Butler was that team after a 75-69 victory over Providence, which lost to the Bulldogs for the first time in four tries at this venue.