INDIANAPOLIS – Whatever it was that impaired Butler in last week’s Big East basketball opener was not in evidence Sunday. It cannot be repeated Wednesday, when top-ranked Villanova brings a 20-game winning streak to Hinkle Fieldhouse.
The No. 13 Bulldogs extended their home winning streak to 11, shooting 62 percent in a 78-61 victory over Providence. Butler (12-2, 1-1) had lost each of its previous three Big East home openers, twice to Providence.
After Thursday’s 76-73 loss at St. John’s, coach Chris Holtmann chided the Bulldogs for their “immature approach.” He did not elaborate on that criticism but said they responded.