PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — The Providence Friars, riding the momentum of a high-scoring road victory, face a steep challenge Thursday when they visit the No. 6-ranked Saint John’s Red Storm in a Big East Conference men’s basketball matchup at Madison Square Garden.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EDT on March 12, 2026.

The Friars (15-17, 8-11 Big East) arrive in New York after a 91-81 win at Butler on Wednesday afternoon, powered by a 28-point performance from guard Stefan Vaaks. Providence has shown resilience, winning three of its last five, but consistency has been an issue for a team clinging to postseason hopes.

Saint John’s (25-6, 15-4), a lock for the NCAA tournament, has been dominant at home and enters on a three-game winning streak. The Red Storm’s only loss in their last seven games was a 72-40 setback at then-Connecticut on Feb. 25.

The season series is split, with each team winning on the other’s home floor. Providence claimed a 77-71 victory at Carnesecca Arena on Jan. 3, but Saint John’s answered with a 79-69 win in Providence on Feb. 14.

Vaaks, Providence’s leading scorer, was held to just four points in a loss to Marquette on March 4 but has averaged 20.3 points over his last three games. His backcourt battle with Saint John’s dynamic guard Zuby Ejiofor will be pivotal.

Ejiofor is playing at an All-Big East level, averaging 18.2 points over his last five contests. He tallied 14 points, four rebounds and three assists in the February win over the Friars. His defensive presence, with multiple blocks in four of his last five games, will challenge Providence’s perimeter attack.

The Red Storm have been nearly unbeatable at Madison Square Garden this season and boast one of the nation’s most efficient offenses. Providence will need another explosive afternoon from Vaaks and supporting scorers like Ryan Mela and Jaylin Sellers, who combined for 46 points at Butler, to pull the upset.

Thursday’s game is the regular-season finale for both teams before the Big East tournament begins next week at the Garden.