The first punch to the gut came back in mid-November, when Providence waltzed into Evanston, Ill., with the intent to take care of Northwestern in a Gavitt Tipoff Game. Instead the Friars returned from Illinois on the short end of a 73-62 decision.
Two weeks later Penn descended on the Dunkin’ Donuts Center just before Thanksgiving. Maybe the Friars were looking ahead to the holidays and how many shopping days were left until Christmas. Whatever the reason, Providence took another body blow when the Quakers left The Dunk with a surprising 81-75 victory.
The Friars’ trip out west the following week for the Wooden Legacy tournament was supposed to restore confidence and perhaps result in a little championship hardware for the flight back home.