Journal Sports Writer
NEW YORK – The good times have officially returned for the Providence Friars.
After a three-game winning streak to end the regular season inspired plenty of hope among their fans, the Friars put an exclamation point on their current play by dominating the Butler Bulldogs in a 74-60 victory in a Big East quarterfinal game Thursday at Madison Square Garden.
The Friars shot out to an impressive 12-point lead midway through the first half but were out-scored 10-0 over the final 4:52 and led Butler by just 32-30 at the half.