Game: Providence vs. Butler, February 11, 2017
Where the Friars Stood: While their record wasn’t showing it at the time, the 14-11 Friars were playing better basketball as the calendar turned to February. Following a 79-78 win at Marquette, they hung tough at #4 Villanova (66-57), and just missed out on an RPI-boosting win at Seton Hall. The Hall beat PC by two in overtime behind a layup in the closing seconds. The Friars had possession in a tie game at the end of regulation, but could not convert.
Providence entered the final six games of the season knowing they had to go at least 5-1 to give themselves a shot at an NCAA Tournament bid.