PROVIDENCE, R.I. (Interstat) — In a game defined by runs and resilience, the Providence Friars weathered a late surge from the Butler Bulldogs to secure a 73-64 victory in a Big East women’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at Dunkin’ Center.

The contest turned decisively in the final minutes, as Providence executed under pressure at the free-throw line to seal the win. Leading 67-64 with 32 seconds remaining, the Friars’ Orlagh Gormley was fouled and calmly sank both free throws. After a quick Butler layup cut the lead back to three, Providence’s Teneisia Brown was fouled with 16 seconds left and delivered two more clutch free throws to extend the lead to five and effectively ice the game.

The victory improved Providence’s record to 12-14 overall, while Butler fell to 9-16.

The game’s most important sequence stemmed from Providence’s ability to capitalize on Butler’s offensive struggles in the second quarter. After a competitive first period that ended with Butler leading 20-18, the Bulldogs’ offense went frigid. They managed only eight points in the second quarter on 3-of-14 shooting, committing five turnovers. Providence, led by Sabou Gueye’s seven points in the frame, took full advantage, outscoring Butler 17-8 to take a 35-28 lead into halftime.

That seven-point halftime cushion proved vital as Butler mounted multiple challenges after the break. The Bulldogs chipped away in the third quarter and opened the fourth with increased defensive intensity, forcing several Friar turnovers. A driving layup by Lily Zeinstra with 3:59 to play brought Butler within two points at 63-61, capping a 12-6 run and setting up a tense finish.

However, Providence responded with key plays from its leaders. Gueye answered with a tough turnaround jumper on the ensuing possession. Then, after a Butler miss, Brown drew a foul and made two free throws to push the lead back to six with 3:35 remaining. Butler would get no closer than four points the rest of the way as Providence closed the game on a 10-3 run, with eight of those points coming from the charity stripe.

Gueye, a guard from Dakar, Senegal, led all scorers with 19 points, adding two assists and two blocks in 36 minutes. Her backcourt mate, Gormley of Quincy, Massachusetts, provided critical secondary scoring with 13 points, including several key free throws late. Brown, from Montego Bay, Jamaica, was a force inside, recording a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while also anchoring the defense.

Butler’s effort was led by a balanced attack. Kennedy Langham of Harvest, Alabama, came off the bench to score 12 points, all in the second half, fueling the Bulldogs’ comeback attempt. Lily Zeinstra of Byron Center, Michigan, added 10 points and three assists, and Nevaeh Jackson of Fort Wayne, Indiana, also contributed 10 points.

Statistically, Providence’s efficiency proved the difference. Both teams had 68 possessions, but the Friars scored at a rate of 107.4 points per 100 possessions compared to Butler’s 93.4. Providence shot 51% from the field (26 of 51) and 81% from the free-throw line (17 of 21). Butler shot 43% (23 of 53) and 70% from the line (14 of 20). The Friars also won the battle on the glass, out-rebounding Butler 31-24 and grabbing 10 offensive boards.

Butler’s defensive pressure was notable, generating 17 Providence turnovers and converting them into 13 points, while also recording nine steals. However, the Bulldogs’ own 13 turnovers and a 4-for-16 performance from three-point range hindered their offensive consistency.

The game was a reversal of the teams’ first meeting this season on Jan. 14, when Butler defeated Providence 62-52 in Indianapolis.

Providence next travels to face Georgetown on Saturday. Butler returns home to host Saint John’s, also on Saturday.