Two of the top-scoring teams in the Big East will meet Saturday when Butler and Providence open conference play in Indianapolis.
Providence (7-4) is averaging 90 points per game, which leads the Big East. The Friars have had issues at the other end of the court, however, as they enter Saturday’s matchup at the bottom of the conference in points allowed (82.1).
“I want to see us keep climbing the ladder in defensive efficiency,” Providence coach Kim English said. “I think we’ve seen a lot. We’ve played five high-major opponents, so I think we’ve tested ourselves. Seven (wins) is about three games less than where we wanted to be. Now it’s time to get to work.”
Butler (7-2) is third among Big East teams in scoring (87.6) and ranks sixth in points allowed (72.2). The Bulldogs also lead the conference in rebounding with an average of 42.7 per contest. Boise State’s 77-68 victory over Butler on Saturday was the first time the Bulldogs were outrebounded in a game this season.
“Like a lot of teams in college basketball, we’re still a work in progress,” Butler coach Thad Matta said. “Still looking at rotations and what different guys bring to the table.”
The game will also feature two of the Big East’s leading scorers. Providence’s Jason Edwards and Butler’s Finley Bizjack are each averaging 18 points per game, which is second in the conference. Edwards has scored at least 20 points in five of the team’s first 11 games and is one of six Friars averaging at least nine per contest.
“There is no go-to guy on this team,” English said. “I’ll keep saying it until I’m blue in the face, the go-to guy on this team is the open man.”
For Butler, Michael Ajayi, a 6-foot-7 forward, has had a double-double in seven of the Bulldogs’ nine games and has grabbed at least eight rebounds in every contest so far this season. The Gonzaga transfer is third nationally in rebounds per game (11.6).
Providence forward Oswin Erhunmwunse leads the Big East with 37 blocks through 11 games.
–Field Level Media
