You know today’s stakes. Providence is back on the bubble after three straight wins over Butler, Xavier, and Creighton, and a win today gives them a sweep over another team pushing for a bid.
Three years ago, it was Senior Night for a special group of Friars, led by Bryce Cotton and Kadeem Batts, who decided not to transfer after Keno Davis was fired and Ed Cooley hired. They eventually went on to win the Big East Championship, but everything about Senior Night against Marquette felt do-or-die.
Times were different then — far different. The Friars hadn’t played in the NCAA Tournament in a decade, and the Dunk roared from the opening tip through two overtime periods before Providence pulled out a thrilling one-point victory.