Patriots plane giving Providence College staff/supporters a lift to Chicago for big game
If the Providence College Friars upset top-seeded Kansas on Friday night in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA tournament, perhaps the New England Patriots will be credited with an assist.
On Thursday, one of the Patriots' planes was waiting on the tarmac of TF Green Airport, ready to take Providence support staff and others to Chicago. The Friars, who flew to the Windy City on Wednesday and held a practice there on Thursday morning, reached the final 16 round of the NCAAs for the first time in 25 years — and the first under head coach Ed Cooley.
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The second plane was scheduled to depart Providence at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, but it appeared it would be delayed a bit. The group on board is made up mainly of school employees, many from the athletic department, as well as donors and some media members.
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The Friars reached the Sweet 16 round after beating South Dakota State and then Richmond in the first two rounds, respectively. No. 1 Kansas reached Friday's game after wins over Texas Southern and Creighton. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:29 p.m. Friday at Chicago's United Center.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots plane giving Friars support staff a lift to NCAA game
