For the second straight season, the Providence Friars and St. John’s Red Storm end their regular seasons where there postseasons begin: at Madison Square Garden. Just as the case was last season, much more is at stake for the Friars, who have an outside chance at third place in the Big East standings, a shot at a fourth straight winning record in conference, and can ill afford to suffer another questionable loss in the eyes of the selection committee.
While Providence can finish anywhere from third to sixth, St. John’s knows their fate; locked into the eight spot and due for a first round matchup with Georgetown, the Johnnies will take on the role of spoiler on a day where their lone senior, forward Darien Williams, will be honored.