Providence won’t go down without a fight.
Less than one month after igniting a scuffle with St. John’s that resulted in six players being ejected, the ninth-seeded Friars will get another swing at the top-seeded Red Storm in Thursday’s Big East Tournament quarterfinals after overcoming a 16-point deficit to defeat No. 8 seed Butler 91-81 in Wednesday’s first-round matchup at Madison Square Garden.
Providence (15-17, 7-13) is one of two Big East teams to beat St. John’s (25-6, 18-2) this season, and one of two teams to defeat the Red Storm in New York this season.
Friars guard Stefan Vaaks (7) celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the second half on March 11, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I’m guessing that it’s gonna be a great atmosphere, probably the best atmosphere that I have ever felt in college basketball,” said Providence standout Jaylin Sellers, who was ejected from the Feb. 14 battle against St. John’s. “I know they’re going to bring their best, and I’m going to make sure our guys bring ours. … They’re on the list, so we’ve got to take care of business to keep our season alive.”
The Friars drew first blood, stunning St. John’s after fighting back from a double-digit deficit in the final eight minutes to steal a 77-71 win in front of 19,000-plus at the Garden on Jan. 3.
Then came the Valentine’s Day fracas in Providence, where Duncan Powell elevated the rivalry by bringing down former Friars star Bryce Hopkins with a clothesline to the face, prompting Hopkins to shove Powell, who also swung at St. John’s Dillon Mitchell and received a three-game suspension for “combative actions.” Providence’s Jamier Jones would also be ejected after committing a hard foul later in the game against Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor.
When Powell kicked off the chaos, the Friars were up one with 14:25 remaining. When the game ended, St. John’s left with a 79-69 win.
Providence Friars guard Jaylin Sellers (2) driving to the basket while being fouled by Butler Bulldogs forward Michael Ajayi (5). Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“If it wasn’t for that misfortune in that Providence game, they could’ve swept us,” St. John’s coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday. “They blew that game by acting that way. They could’ve beaten us twice. So we’ve got great respect for Providence.
“Providence on any given night could beat anyone with their style … We know we’ve gotta be prepared.”
St. John’s held Providence under 40 percent shooting from the field in each meeting, but the Friars create problems with a fast-paced attack that ranks 16th in scoring (85.5 points per game). Five of the Red Storm’s six losses this season came against teams averaging at least 81 points.
But Providence entered the Garden limping, losing back-to-back games after coach Kim English was reportedly informed that he would be fired at the conclusion of his third season.
Before what could be his final game with the Friars — leading a 10 1⁄2-point underdog and villain in a de facto road game — English forcefully downplayed the hype with words that a rowdy Garden crowd will ignore.
“There’s no beef,” English said. “We played a game. A jump ball led to some guys in each other’s face. It’s a hard foul. There is no beef between us and St. John’s. We have a game in the greatest arena in the world and it’s one of the best coaches in the history of college basketball and the Big East Player of the Year. It’s a team we have a lot of respect for. That’s all it is.” Freshman Stefan Vaaks (28 points) sealed the rematch with his seventh and eighth 3s in the final minutes against Butler. A healthy contingent of Friars fans followed with chants of “We want the Johnnies.”
Get ready for Round 3.
Ding, ding.
