Preview: Providence Friars at Butler Bulldogs

INDIANAPOLIS (Interstat) — Two Big East women’s basketball teams seeking momentum will meet Wednesday when the Providence Friars visit the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

Providence (9-9, 1-4 Big East) enters on a two-game skid, including an 85-55 home loss to Villanova on Sunday. The Friars have struggled offensively in conference play, averaging 56.8 points in their five league games.

Butler (7-10, 1-5) has lost four straight, most recently a 49-39 defensive struggle at Saint John’s on Saturday. The Bulldogs have been held under 50 points in three of their last four outings.

A key matchup will feature Providence forward Nalani Kaysia against Butler’s Caroline Dotsey. Kaysia is coming off a 12-rebound, two-block performance against Villanova and has been a consistent interior presence. Dotsey, who scored 25 points in a win over Xavier last month, led Butler with 10 points and six rebounds against Saint John’s.

For Providence, guard Princess Moody, who had eight points and three assists against Villanova, will need to help spark the offense. Butler will look for production from Saniya Jackson and Kennedy Langham, who combined for nine points and 11 rebounds in their last game.

The Friars won their only Big East game on the road this season at DePaul on Jan. 4. Butler’s lone conference victory was a 64-58 home win over Xavier on Dec. 19.

This begins a pivotal stretch for both teams as they look to climb the conference standings ahead of next month’s Big East tournament.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST Wednesday at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse.