The Christmas holiday wasn't exactly filled with unending joy for anyone who coaches Big East basketball, Ed Cooley included.
Ready or not, it's go time for Cooley's Providence College Friars and the rest of the Big East. Reached before his team left town for Wednesday's game at Xavier, Cooley wasn't happy that he's the only coach opening conference play with two road games. The Friars will stay in the Midwest and play at Butler on Sunday.
That's two road tests against nationally ranked opponents - and top-10 RPI teams.
"It speaks for itself," Cooley said. "It's a major test, but it's also an opportunity to make a major statement.