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The Providence Friars hosted the BYU Cougars on the basketball court Tuesday night as part of the Big 12-Big East Challenge. The homme team would leave with an emphatic 19-point win to move to 6-3 on the year.
Unfortunately, that strong performance was overshadowed by the actions of the Providence faithful. The Friars’ athletic director was forced to silence an anti-BYU chant being spewed from the students’ section during the action.
“F— the Mormons,” was heard ringing throughout the arena walls as an early Cougars‘ deficit continued to grow. The chant seemed to start near the end of the first half with Providence jumping out to a double-digit lead. That message was sent loud and clear to the opposing side!
“F*** the Mormons” chant going strong all night @PCFriarsmbb @PCAthletics 😂 pic.twitter.com/0SDEMR2ADs
— BYU Florida 🐆⚔️ (@BYUFlorida) December 4, 2024
Trash talk is a part of college sports, and despite having maybe the nicest fans in the entire country, BYU isn’t immune to the hate. Given the ferocity of Big East supporters, a little back and forth was expected. With that being said, the fanbase overstepped in this particular instance, leading to an apology from the Providence AD when the basketball game ended.
Steven Napolillo called for the chants to come to an end after they were brought to his attention. He then took to social media to apologize to the BYU visitors.
I want to apologize to BYU, their coaches & institution for unacceptable chants by our student body tonight. Once it was brought to my attention, I went to the student body & had them stop. That does not represent who Providence College is & what we stand for. We are sorry.
-Steven Napolillo / X: nap16
Providence won the basketball game, 83-64. They never trailed in the second half of play. The dominant showing was clouded by the unacceptable trash talk. Rather than celebrate victory, the Friars had to deal with a negative storyline.