PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — The Providence Friars look to steady their season and snap a two-game skid when they visit the surging Saint John’s Red Storm in a Big East Conference men’s basketball matchup Saturday at Carnesecca Arena.

Tipoff is set for Jan. 3, 2026, in New York, with the Friars (7-6, 0-2 Big East) seeking their first league win. Providence fell 72-67 to Seton Hall on Dec. 19 in its most recent outing, a game in which Jamier Jones scored 11 points. The Friars’ last action was a 113-110 double-overtime road loss at Butler on Dec. 13.

The Red Storm (9-4, 1-0) enter with momentum, having won five of their last six, including a 95-83 victory at Georgetown on Wednesday. Saint John’s is 7-1 at home this season.

A key matchup will feature Providence’s Jamier Jones against Saint John’s interior force Zuby Ejiofor. Jones, a consistent scorer, is averaging 14.0 points over his last four games, including an 18-point performance in a win over Rhode Island. Ejiofor is coming off a dominant 25-point, 7-assist effort against Georgetown and has been a defensive anchor, recording multiple blocks in five straight games. His eight-block game against Iona on Dec. 13 highlights his rim-protecting impact.

Providence’s offense, which scored 110 in the loss at Butler, will test a Saint John’s defense that has held four of its last six opponents under 70 points. The Friars have shown scoring balance, with Stefan Vaaks (15 points) and Jaylin Sellers (13 points) joining Jones as key contributors in the Seton Hall game.

For Saint John’s, support for Ejiofor comes from Oziyah Sellers, who scored 16 against Georgetown, and Dylan Darling, who added 11 points and four assists.

This game opens a critical January stretch for both teams. Providence faces a gauntlet, with games against Connecticut and Xavier looming next week. Saint John’s begins a string of four road contests in its next five games after Saturday.

The Friars will need to solve their late-game execution after narrow losses to Seton Hall and Butler, while the Red Storm aim to defend their home court and build early conference momentum.