CBB Predictions: Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats 1/21/17

Providence vs. Villanova Pick

Will No. 1 Villanova make quick work of Providence when the two meet up in Big East action today at Noon ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Villanova is the clear favorite, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -17 points against Providence. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 130.5 points. Villanova has won seven of the last eight in this series, but the Friars are 3-1 against the spread in their last four against the Wildcats.

Bet on Providence vs. Villanova

Villanova has won four straight to get back to the No. 1 ranking with an 18-1 mark overall and 6-1 record in the Big East. The Wildcats have also covered the spread in four straight and are now 12-6 against the spread on the season. Nova has shown a steady defense most of the season, allowing only 61.7 points per game this year. That total dips to 55.9 when playing at home. Offensively, the Wildcats put up 78.6 points per game this season. Josh Hart is averaging 18.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game to lead the Wildcats while Kris Jenkins is adding 14.1 points and 4.2 boards per game.

Providence has won back-to-back games coming into today to get to 13-7 on the season and 3-4 in the Big East. The Friars have also covered in their last two and are 11-9 against the spread on the season. Like Nova, Providence relies on its defense. The Friars are giving up just 63.8 points per game defensively. However, the Friars are allowing 71.8 points per game on the road. On offense, Providence is only putting up 69.2 points per game. Rodney Bullock is leading the team with 17.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game while Emmitt Holt is adding 13.1 points and 5.8 boards per game.

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Providence has some features that make you want to take the points, but Villanova is in another class. The Wildcats should be able to out-defend the Friars while finding ways to get transition points. Nova isn’t a great offense, but can develop offense off of its top-level defense. Look for that to be the case today.

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: VILLANOVA -17