PROVIDENCE — It's hard to come back from a 17-point halftime deficit and Butler just didn't have the muscle to do it Wednesday in a Big East game at Providence.
The Bulldogs, who battled offensive and defensive troubles all night, scored just 18 first half points, giving the Friars a 35-18 lead. Butler could never mount a second half comeback.
Butler was a different team just one week ago at Hinkle Fieldhouse, coming away with a 70-64 win. But playing on the road, the Bulldogs shot just 34% for the game while Providence hit 58% of its shots.
Guard Jair Bolden led Butler with 15-points. Friar guard David Duke just missed a triple-double, finishing with 22-points, 13-rebounds and eight assists.
The Bulldogs are now 2-4 while Providence is 7-3.
