Providence used a first-half surge to take a 71-55 win over Butler Wednesday night at Alumni Hall in Rhode Island. It was the second match-up between the two teams over the past week, as the host Friars were able to avenge a Butler victory from before Christmas.

Providence guard David Duke had 17 of his 22 points in the opening 20 minutes as Providence took a 35-18 halftime lead. The Friars got out of the gates strong, hitting their first eight attempts from the field, and then finished the half on a 15-3 run.

"All the credit goes to Providence; they came out with intensity and a strong competitive spirit," said Butler coach LaVall Jordan. "We didn't respond well early and then were in recovery mode the rest of the way. There were segments where we played pretty well, but definitely not consistent enough. But Providence had a lot to do with that."

With the win, Providence is now 7-3 overall and 3-1 in BIG EAST play. Butler falls to 2-4 (1-2 BIG EAST).

The Bulldogs made one last run to pull back into the contest, as an 11-2 spurt brought Butler within 62-51 with 3:08 remaining. Butler's next two possessions were the missed front end of a 1-and-1 and a turnover, while the Friars countered with a Nate Watson post basket and an A.J. Reeves three-pointer to cement the victory.

Jair Bolden led the Bulldogs with 15 points. He hit four three-pointers. Bryce Nze and Chuck Harris each posted 10 points. Butler committed only eight turnovers, but could not overcome a cold shooting night at 34.4 percent.

Duke and Watson (who had 18 points) combined to go 18-of-23 from the field, as the Friars shot 58 percent overall. Duke added 13 rebounds and eight assists.

The Bulldogs continue a quick two-game east coast road trip Saturday with a 4:30 p.m. tip at Seton Hall. The game will air on FS1.