Providence Defeats Butler in Big East Tournament Opener, Advances to Face St. John’s

NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Providence College men’s basketball team defeated the Butler University Bulldogs 91-81 in the first round of the 2026 BIG EAST Tournament on Wednesday, March 11, at Madison Square Garden. The Friars’ victory propels them to the quarterfinals, where they will face top-seeded St. John’s on Thursday at noon. The game will be streamed on Peacock.

Vaaks Leads the Way with Record-Breaking Performance

Freshman Stefan Vaaks led the Friars with a career-high 28 points, shooting 9-for-16 from the field and an impressive 8-for-13 from beyond the arc. His eight three-pointers tied the BIG EAST Tournament record for most threes made in a game, previously held by Dana Barros of Boston College since 1989 . Graduate student Jaylin Sellers and sophomore Ryan Mela also contributed significantly, each adding 23 points for Providence.

First Half Battle

The Friars started strong, with Sellers scoring the first points of the game. However, Butler responded with a 15-0 run. Vaaks helped close the gap with a three-pointer, and the teams traded baskets throughout the remainder of the half. Providence trailed 42-40 at halftime, with Vaaks leading the team with 14 points. Providence shot 45.78% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range in the first half.

Second-Half Surge Seals the Victory

Providence came out strong in the second half, going on a 28-16 run in the first ten minutes. Vaaks continued his hot shooting, connecting on multiple three-pointers, including one that gave Providence its first lead since the opening tip-off. Sellers also contributed with key baskets, and the Friars extended their lead to as many as 10 points. Butler attempted a comeback, cutting the deficit to as few as two points, but Providence responded with timely baskets and strong defense. Vaaks’s eighth three-pointer of the game gave the Friars a seven-point lead with under three minutes remaining, effectively sealing the victory.

Key Stats and Highlights

• Providence shot 52.3% from the field, 51.9% from three-point range, and 69.2% from the free-throw line.
• Butler shot 46.2% from the field, 29.4% from three-point range, and 76.2% from the free-throw line.
• Four players finished in double figures for the Friars: Vaaks (28), Mela (23), Sellers (23), and Jamier Jones (10).
• This marked the first time in program history that three Providence College players scored 20 or more points in a BIG EAST Tournament game.
• Providence overcame a 16-point comeback, their largest of the season.
• Michael Ajayi led Butler with 21 points and 11 rebounds. Finley Bizjack added 17 points and five assists for the Bulldogs.

Up Next

The Friars will face St. John’s in the BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinals on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. At Madison Square Garden. The game will be streamed on Peacock.