The Providence College men’s basketball team is set to begin their BIG EAST schedule this Saturday against the Butler Bulldogs, marking the first league game of the season for both teams. Historically, the Friars have performed well against Butler, boasting a 20-8 all-time record in their matchups, although they hold a 7-5 record when playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
The Friars previously faced Butler three times last season, managing a 1-2 record, and are looking to turn the tide after their recent 75-69 loss to the Bulldogs in the BIG EAST Tournament. The last encounter at Hinkle Fieldhouse saw Butler narrowly defeat Providence 82-81 in February 2025.
As the Friars prepare for this critical matchup, they are coming off an impressive win against Brown University, where they triumphed 86-79. Graduate student Jaylin Sellers and freshman Jamier Jones led the scoring with 16 points each. In addition, graduate student Jason Edwards contributed 12 points, aiding the team’s solid offensive performance.
Sellers’ recent contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he was named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll after averaging 17.5 points and 6.5 rebounds over the last week. His shooting efficiency has been notable as well, with 88.2 percent from the free-throw line, ranking second in the BIG EAST. In addition to Sellers, Edwards has been a standout player for the Friars, currently second overall in scoring in the BIG EAST with 18.0 points per game and boasting the most games with 20 or more points among his peers.
The Friars are currently leading the BIG EAST in several categories, including scoring (90.0 ppg), free-throw percentage (79.1), and defensive rebounds (28.7 per game). Freshman Stefan Vaaks has also made his mark, recently named BIG EAST Freshman of the Week after averaging 14.0 points and 7.0 assists last week.
Sophomore Oswin Erhunmwunse shines on the defensive end, leading the conference with 37 blocks this season, which breaks down to an impressive 3.4 blocks per game. His performance will be crucial as the Friars take on Butler’s offense.
Looking ahead, the Friars have been acknowledged for their potential this season, having been picked fourth in the preseason BIG EAST Coaches Poll. With a young but talented roster that includes ten newcomers, the Providence squad has shown promise early on, building enthusiasm as they approach their league openers.
Fans are excited for the return of live basketball at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, where tickets have sold out once again for the season – a testament to the passionate support for the program. Overall, the Friars look to capitalize on their strong start and continue this momentum into their upcoming BIG EAST campaign, emphasizing teamwork and combining offensive prowess with a solid defense as they aim for success.