A harsh lesson was taught Thursday to the Butler Bulldogs.
Inside Hinkle Fieldhouse, the ninth-ranked Bulldogs began Big East play against the No. 12 Providence Friars with the correct attention to detail, the appropriate amount of energy and the necessary toughness to succeed.
Then the second half started. And all of Butler’s positives – its 11-point lead, its strong defense, its efficient shooting – were erased in less than six minutes. The Friars exploded for 56 points in the second half and defeated the Bulldogs, 81-73. But all of Butler’s troubles began in those first six minutes in the second half.