For much of its history, Providence has struggled to be more than an afterthought in the Big East Conference. Its hopes this year depend on hard-fought games like the one it played against Villanova.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — The first clue about what the Dunkin’ Donuts Center’s atmosphere would be like on Tuesday came 90 minutes before tipoff when the student sections — its inhabitants seemingly all armed with 25-ounce beer cans — were already packed.