RESULTS| STATS| HISTORY | MESSAGE BOARD | PROVIDENCE INSIDER

Will lose when ... Providence occasionally got starry-eyed this year, and it is about to play the country's best teams. Famous Last Words The Friars have enough firepower to hang with just about anyone, but what will they do if their go-to guy is off? Complete team report Before filling in your bracket, check out Insider's Tournament Guide. Insider Tour | Sign up now

TO THIS POINT    
How They Got Here: At-Large Bid
For most of the season, the Friars were that "other" Big East team near the top of the standings. Quietly, they won 12 of 14 games at places like Connecticut, Seton Hall and Boston College to put themselves in position to win the regular season title. But, once the spotlight found 'em, they froze -- losing twice at home in the final week to Pittsburgh and BC to finish third. Providence then bowed out in Big East quarterfinals to Villanova and enters the Dance on a three-game skid. Its 6-2 road record in the Big East is impressive, but those late-season losses make the Friars unpredictable this week.

PLAYER TO WATCH      
Ryan Gomes | F/C | Junior
Ryan Gomes' all-around game lifted the Friars back into the upper echelon of the Big East this year. Providence's scoring and rebounding leader recorded 12 double-doubles in the regular season. He has tremendous footwork, nice touch, good range and terrific court awareness.