Providence will once again have to lean on a next-man-up mentality when it heads to Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon for a Big East Conference clash with Butler.
The Friars (11-12, 5-7) haven't been able to escape the injury bug, with several key players missing significant time due to various ailments.
Despite the setbacks, Providence has shown remarkable resilience, with different players stepping up to fill the void left by their injured teammates.
However, the Friars' limited depth will be put to the test against a Butler team that has been playing some of its best basketball of the season.
The Bulldogs (14-10, 7-5) have won three of their last four games, with their lone loss coming against a tough Creighton team.
Butler's success can be attributed to its strong defense, which has been able to shut down opponents and limit their scoring opportunities.
Providence, on the other hand, has struggled on the defensive end, allowing an average of 72 points per game in its last five outings.
To have any chance of pulling off the upset, the Friars will need to find a way to slow down Butler's offense and limit its scoring opportunities.
One player who could make a significant impact for Providence is guard Jared Bynum, who has been playing some of the best basketball of his career.
Bynum has averaged 17 points and 5 assists per game over his last five outings, and will need to continue to play at a high level if the Friars are to have any chance of beating Butler.
Another player who could be a difference-maker for Providence is forward Ed Croswell, who has been a force to be reckoned with in the paint.
Croswell has averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game over his last five outings, and will need to continue to dominate in the paint if the Friars are to have any chance of pulling off the upset.
Overall, the matchup between Providence and Butler has all the makings of a classic Big East Conference showdown.
Both teams are fighting for position in the conference standings, and the intensity and physicality of the game are sure to be high.
While Providence's injury woes make it a significant underdog, the Friars have shown an ability to overcome adversity and pull off upsets.
As such, it would be unwise to count them out against a Butler team that has been known to be vulnerable at times.
In the end, the outcome of the game will depend on which team can best adapt to the circumstances and make the necessary adjustments to come out on top.