Providence's Council out vs. No. 1 Syracuse

Published Jan. 14, 2012 5:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

Providence guard Vincent Council, second in the Big East in assists and tied for ninth in scoring, won't play Saturday night against top-ranked and unbeaten Syracuse.

Providence coach Ed Cooley made the announcement just over an hour before the 6 p.m. tipoff. No reason was given.

Council has started all 18 games this season for the Friars (12-6, 1-4 Big East). He is averaging 16.4 points, 7.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds.

Syracuse (18-0, 5-0) is seeking to match the school record for consecutive wins to start a season.