The common theme for the three winning teams on Wednesday were impressive first-half scoring runs that resulted in victories by 16, 17 and 21 points.
Providence closed the first half with a 15-3 run to take a 35-18 lead into halftime en route to a 71-55 win over visiting Butler 71-55. David Duke scored 17 of his game-high 22 points in the first half for the Friars (7-3, 3-1 BIG EAST). He also grabbed a career-high 13 rebounds and dished eight assists. Nate Watson added 18 points. Jair Bolden was the top scorer for Butler (2-4, 1-2 BIG EAST) with 15 points.