Providence lost Ed Cooley, the homegrown, longtime coach, who turned a long-dormant program into a Big East force.
It lost star forward Bryce Hopkins — the leading-scorer from last year’s NCAA Tournament team — to a torn ACL in January.
It lost four straight games near the start of conference play, then lost three of four entering the conference tournament.
On Thursday night, the Friars lost a 13-point second-half lead. Then, the fans filling Madison Square Garden lost their minds.
Led by the relentless Devin Carter, No. 7 Providence significantly increased its odds of hearing its name called on Selection Sunday by pulling a 78-73 upset of No. 2 Creighton in the Big East Tournament quarterfinals.
The Friars (21-12) — who picked up their second Top 10 win of the season, as well as their second win over the Blue Jays — will face the winner of Marquette/Villanova in Friday’s semifinals.
Carter, the Big East Player of the Year, played all 40 minutes of the must-win game, setting the tone on both ends of the floor and finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, two steals and one block.
Ryan Kalkbrenner, the Big East Defensive Player of the Year, dominated on both ends, putting up 19 points, 12 rebounds, five blocks and two steals to lead Creighton back from a 53-40 deficit.
In a back-and-forth battle, Providence — which committed only five turnovers and hit all 14 of its free throws — quickly erased three separate deficits to take a 70-68 lead in the final minutes.
Then, Creighton, which made its first 20 free throws, missed three straight.
A drive by Carter put the Friars up four with 1:38 remaining.
The Blue Jays never had another chance to even the score.