The No. 1 Villanova Wildcats (18-1, 5-1 Big East) will try to extend their five-game winning streak against the Providence Friars (14-6, 5-2 Big East) at Wells Fargo Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 23, 2018.
Villanova opened as a 14.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 151 points.
Providence Friars at Villanova Wildcats ATS Prediction
In the Friars’ last outing, they defeated the Creighton Bluejays, 85-71. The Friars made 17 of their 18 free throws (94.4 percent) and held the Bluejays to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.5 (below their season average of 23.7). Providence received a boost from Alpha Diallo, who led the team in scoring with 21 points on 9-for-15 shooting.
The Wildcats easily got past the Connecticut Huskies in their last matchup, 81-61. Villanova’s rebounding was their biggest strength. The Wildcats had 16 offensive rebounds and 48 total rebounds, while the Huskies had eight and 32, respectively. Jalen Brunson was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 9-for-16 shooting.
The productive offense of Villanova will face off against the mid-tier defense of Providence. The Wildcats rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Friars are 139th in defensive efficiency. The Wildcats should have the advantage on that side of the ball. Moreover, the Friars, who rank 44th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284), will face a tough challenge against the Wildcats, who rank ninth in opponents’ FTA rate (0.166).
Providence has a superb 14-6 straight up (SU) record, but they struggle covering the spread (7-11 against the spread (ATS)). Games featuring the Friars have a tendency to go over the total (61.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Villanova owns records of 18-1 SU and 13-6 ATS. Games including the Wildcats also have a tendency to go over the total (55.6 percent).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Diallo (12.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals) has been great for the Friars while Donte DiVincenzo (15.8 points, 3.2 assists and 1.8 steals) has made great contributions to the Wildcats.
After the Wildcats won both meetings against the Friars last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Villanova won 66-57. Villanova had a better effective field goal percentage (0.527 vs. 0.434). Providence, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.208 vs. 0.125).
Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Providence is 3-5 ATS with 4 overs and 4 unders.
Villanova is 3-3 ATS at home with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Villanova ranks 17th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while Providence ranks 231st (18.4).
The Wildcats rank 19th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Friars rank 116th (6.5).
Villanova ranks 15th in assists per game (17.6) while Providence ranks 88th (14.8).
The Wildcats rank 40th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Friars rank 61st (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Providence is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Villanova is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Friars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.0, up from 5.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 87.2 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 68.6 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
