Providence earns right to face Uconn in quarterfinals

UNCASVILLE — Emily Archibald had 17 points and seven rebounds to lead No. 9 seed Providence past No. 8 Butler 75-60 in a Big East women's tournament firstround game on Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

The win earns the Friars a quarterfinal meeting with No. 1 seed Uconn on Saturday at noon.

“I can't tell you how proud I am of this team,” Providence first-year coach Erin Batth said. “We've been on a journey. We're still on it, and the really cool thing is that we're getting better. … I'm so excited how we moved the ball, how we shared the ball, how we shot the ball, how we defended the ball. Let's go, y'all. Are you with me?”

Providence leading scorer Olivia Olsen added 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Friars put the game away by outscoring the Bulldogs 21-10 in the third quarter. Grace Efosa (13) and Brynn Farrell (11) were the other scorers in double figures for PC. Carolina Strande lea Butler (14-16) with 20 points and seven rebounds.

Providence (13-19) lost both its meetings to the Huskies during the regular season, losing on Saturday at home, 65-42, and dropping an 81-45 decision at Uconn on Jan. 10.

So the Friars journey will continue with the Huskies, a team Batth just faced.

“We've played them just seven days ago, and so they are fresh on our minds,” Batth said. “It's a team that you don't forget about at all ever. I know it's a great big challenge, but we're up for it. I think it's a positive. I love it. Let's go”

Former Uconn star Kaili Mclaren, who played for the Huskies from 2007-10 and won two national titles, is a first-year member of Batth's staff, something the head coach hopes to use going into Saturday.

“She has been coached under one of the greatest. Are you kidding me to have her on the staff? She's made a huge impact,” Baath said.

Seton Hall 71, Depaul 64: Azana Baines had 17 points and seven rebounds to lead the No 7 seed Pirates to the Big East firstround win. Seton Hall (17-13) will face No. 2 Creighton in the quarterfinals on Saturday at 7 p.m. Micah Gray had 16 points, Savannah Catalon 13 and Kate Satterfield 10 points and eight rebounds for the Pirates. Katlyn Gilbert and Kate Clarke each had 18 points for Depaul (12-20).

Georgetown 62, Xavier 40: Brianna Scott led the way with 11 points and the No. 6 seed Hoyas advanced into the Big East quarterfinals with a win over the No. 11 Musketeers.