Nate Watson scored nine straight Providence points in the closing six minutes, and the No. 21 Friars held off an upset bid by visiting Butler for a 69-62 victory Sunday in Big East basketball.
It was the fourth straight loss, all to Top 25 opponents, for the Bulldogs (9-10, 2-6). They have lost seven of nine, all to the Top 25.
First-place Providence (16-2, 6-1) is 12-0 at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center and off to its best start in 44 years. Watson scored 18 points.
Chuck Harris scored 21 and Bo Hodges 17 for Butler.