INDIANAPOLIS – The Bulldogs outscored Providence 19-9 in the third quarter and cut the deficit down to just six points with six minutes remaining in the fourth, but the comeback effort came up just short against Providence allowing the Friars to notch their ninth win of the season with a 63-53 victory. 1,456 fans filled the seats at Hinkle Fieldhouse for Butler's FS1 game on Sunday afternoon. With the setback, BU moves to 8-10 on the year.
 
Rachel Kent supplied Butler with two 3-pointers from the top of the key over the first four minutes of the game, but the Bulldogs would be limited to just eight first quarter points allowing the Friars to build a six-point lead.
 
Brynn Farrell was responsible for seven of Providence's 14 points. She didn't score in the second quarter, but a 17-2 scoring run would increase the visitors lead to 35-16 at the half. BU shot 17 percent from the field in the first half and were just 3-for-12 from behind the arc.
 
The Bulldogs came alive in the third quarter to outscore the Friars 19-9. They used a 13-4 scoring run to cut the lead to 10 and would trail PC 44-35 heading into the final quarter. Strande had eight of Butler's 13 points during the run. She led all players with 14 points after three quarters.
 
Strande stayed hot in the fourth and her 3-pointer with 6:12 to play would get BU within six points at 50-44. PC scored the next four points and would hold on to their 10-point advantage the rest of the way.
 
Inside the Box Score
- Caroline Strande tied her career-high point total with 22 vs. PC
- Strande went 5-for-6 from 3-point range and added eight rebounds
- Rachel Kent and Strade shared the team lead in rebounds with 8 each
- Kent was the only other Bulldog in double figures with 13 points
- Ari Wiggins had eight points, three boards and three steals Sunday
- Cristen Carter impacted the game with seven rebounds and a team-high three blocked shots
- BU only scored 12 points in the paint
- The Bulldogs shot 50 percent from the field in the third quarter but just 28 percent in the game
- Olivia Olsen led PC to victory with 16 points and 13 rebounds
- Grace Efosa added 12 points and seven boards
 
Up Next
Butler will play Xavier at the Cintas Center on Wednesday night. The 7 PM tip will stream on FloHoops.com