Butler Bulldogs vs. Providence Friars - News - January 08, 2025 | FOX Sports

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・January 9, 2025 January 09 Jan 09

Mela grabs 15 boards, scores 10 as Providence beats Butler

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Amica Mutual Pavilion, Providence, RI

Andre Screen - Two steals vs. FriarsScreen supplied six points (2-8 FG, 2-4 FT), four rebounds, three assists and two steals across 25 minutes during Wednesday's 84-65 loss to Providence.

ImpactScreen was unable to get things going from a scoring perspective in the blowout loss to the Friars, but he did log a season-high two steals. The 7-foot-1 senior's contributions have been more as a big presence in the paint and sometimes efficient rebounder so far this season, but the Bulldogs will need to focus on getting involved as a scorer at least in some capacity of they hope to stay competitive in continuously tougher conference outings moving forward.

5 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE

Ryan Mela - Huge double-double in first startMela totaled 10 points (5-9 FG), 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals over 34 minutes during Wednesday's 84-65 victory over Butler.

ImpactWith injuries currently ravaging the Friars' room of bigs, Mela was bumped into the starting lineup against the Bulldogs for his first career start. The freshman forward made the most of his time on the court, logging his second straight outing with 10 points and amassing a huge 15 rebounds over the Bulldogs. Whether he starts moving forward likely depends on forward Rich Barron's concussion status and if Bryce Hopkins (knee) even returns this season, but Mela did showcase he can be a huge contributor when playing meaningful time.

5 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE

Bensley Joseph - Registers 18 points off benchJoseph ended with 18 points (7-13 FG, 3-6 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two assists and one steal across 29 minutes during Wednesday's 84-65 victory over Butler.

ImpactEven after finding his way out of the starting lineup for the seconds straight game, Joseph put together a big performance in the Friars' blowout win over the Bulldogs. Whether the senior guard is a starter moving forward for Providence, he should still get ample minutes to contribute meaningfully to the team against tough conference talent.

5 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE

Bryce Hopkins - Medical redshirt a possibilityHead coach Kim English revealed that Hopkins (knee) is not progressing with his injury and could receive a medical redshirt for the 2024-25 season, per college basketball journalis...

ImpactHopkins came into the season recovering from a torn ACL and did not make his season debut until December 3 against BYU. The senior forward played in just three games for the Friars before going down with knee irritation and has not played since. Hopkins was a star in his limited time on the floor this year, averaging 17 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, but it appears the remainder of his season may be spent on the sideline, though an official decision has not yet been made.

6 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE

Rich Barron - DNP vs. ButlerBarron (concussion) did not play during Providence's 84-65 win Wednesday against Butler.

ImpactAccording to journalist Kevin McNamara, a concussion resulted in Barron being out for the Butler-Providence game. Without him available, Providence's starting lineup required at least one change. It included Ryan Mela.

6 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE

Joseph scores 18 as Providence defeats Butler 84-65

Bensley Joseph scored 18 points off the bench to help lead the Providence Friars over the Butler Bulldogs 84-65

6 DAYS AGO•ASSOCIATED PRESS

Ryan Mela - Starting vs. ButlerMela is in the starting lineup for Wednesday's game against Butler.

ImpactMela will be making his first start of the season. He's averaging 4.5 points and 3.8 rebounds across 13.2 minutes per game as a freshman, but he could be in line for a bigger role in this matchup.

6 DAYS AGO•ROTOWIRE