The No. 8 vs. No. 9 games are not typically the most exciting or entertaining games of the tournament. Typically, the two teams are mediocre high-major teams to limp into the field of 68.
But on Thursday night, No. 8 seeded USC and No. 9 seeded Providence put on most entertaining display of action of the early tournament.
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Despite having the two best players on the floor in Kris Dunn and Ben Bentil, the Friars played from behind for the majority of the second half, but never led the Trojans pull away.