Donaldson: Friars get a win they needed in the worst way

PROVIDENCE -- It’s not going to get easier for the Friars, whose next three games are at fourth-ranked Villanova, at home against fifth-ranked Xavier, and then at Georgetown.

But think how much more difficult a situation PC would be in had they let Tuesday night’s game against 18th-ranked Butler slip away.

As it easily could have, with the Friars trailing, 54-48, with less than 13 minutes to go, and still down one, 66-65, with under three minutes remaining.

The Friars already had lost back-to-back home games to Marquette and Seton Hall – solid teams, but hardly Big East powerhouses.