The last week has been one filled with more mental than physical exercising for the Providence Friars.
The Friars had No. 4 Villanova on the ropes the last time they took the floor last week but couldn't close the door in a 66-57 loss. It was a deflating defeat, the type that can discourage a team that's still looking to break through and build consistency in what is shaping up as a rugged Big East.
PC coach Ed Cooley said he gave his players three days off over the last week and is hoping that everyone was re-energized when the team boarded an Amtrak train bound for New Jersey Tuesday.