PC fell in overtime at Creighton the next time out, and wrapped up the regular season by handling Butler, 83-70. PC led by 24 in the first half of that one, scoring 48 points in the first half, and seeing their lead jump to 28 before stepping off the gas late.
The Big East Tournament four days later wasn’t any different. Maliek White caught fire late in the first half and Providence rolled to an 80-57 victory.
So, how did the group that looked so inept against Providence ten months ago suddenly turn into one of the best defensive teams in the country?