INDIANAPOLIS – The Providence Friars recorded a 74-66 win at Hinkle Fieldhouse on Wednesday night to improve their overall record to 12-8. With the loss, BU moves to 7-12 on the season.
 
How It Happened
Providence scored the first nine points of the game on Wednesday night forcing Butler to call a timeout less than four minutes into the action. BU started 0-for-8 from the field, but would go on a 7-0 scoring run to get back within eight points after the first quarter. Caroline Strande made the first shot of the game for the Bulldogs and would have six of the team's first 12 points.
 
The Friars shot 64 percent in the first quarter and 66 percent in the second to build their 41-32 halftime lead. BU got back within five (35-30) under the two minute mark of the first half, but the Friars would win the frame 21-20. Brynn Farrell had 10 points at the break for Providence and Strande was the top BU scorer with 11.
 
Sydney Jaynes picked up her third personal foul in the opening stages of the third quarter, but that didn't stop Butler from opening the second half on a 9-4 scoring run to get back within five. Providence burned a timeout to stop the momentum but that five-point spread would last until the media timeout.

The Friars pushed their lead back to double digits over the final five minutes of the third. A 6-0 run would help the visitors own a 58-47 advantage heading to the fourth. Butler trailed by 10 for most of the fourth quarter and the Friars would hold on for the 74-66 victory.
 
Stat of the Game
Butler only had two first half turnovers; they ended the game with five.

Postgame Parkinson Quotes
"I have to give Providence a lot of credit. The came in here tonight with an aggressive mindset and played really well. On our side, we didn't guard anybody. If we don't take pride in playing defense we will have some tough games ahead and that is just something we have to get better at. We have to step up on our side and be better and it's something we are going to go back to practice and work on."
 
Inside the Box Score
- Caroline Strande scored a game-high 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting
- Rachel McLimore scored 12 points and grabbed four rebounds
- Sydney Jaynes had 10 points, three blocks and two assists Wednesday night
- Anna Mortag returned to the starting five tonight and gave BU six rebounds
- Providence shot 52.5% from the field
- All five Friar starters scored in double figures
- Janai Crooms posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 boards
- Butler's bench outscored PC 29-15
 
Up Next
Butler will play at #5 UConn on Saturday, Jan. 21. The 12 PM tip will air on SNY.