The No. 2 Villanova Wildcats (29-4, 16-4 Big East) challenge the Providence Friars (21-12, 12-8 Big East) in the Big East Conference Tourney at Madison Square Garden. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Prediction
The last time the Friars played, they beat the No. 3 Xavier Musketeers, 75-72. Providence’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Xavier. The Friars had a rate of 8.8 (better than their season average of 15.7), while the Musketeers posted a mark of 10.7. With 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting, Rodney Bullock was Providence’s high scorer.
The Wildcats had no trouble getting past the Butler Bulldogs in their last outing, 87-68. The Wildcats, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.2, had a phenomenal mark of 35.3, while the Bulldogs had a turnover percentage of 17.2 (above their season average of 13.9). With 12 points and 12 rebounds, Omari Spellman put together a good game for Villanova.
Villanova figures to have the advantage on the offensive side of the ball. The Wildcats rank first in offensive efficiency, while the Friars rank 169th in defensive efficiency. Also, the Friars rank 57th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.277), while the Wildcats rank 38th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.191).
Mikal Bridges has averaged 23.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.2 blocks over the last five games for Villanova.
Both teams have won a game in the season series. The Friars won the most recent matchup 76-71. The Friars had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.9 vs. 13.8) and had a much better turnover percentage (15.7 vs. 23.5). Bridges scored a game-high 19 points.
Providence Friars vs. Villanova Wildcats Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Villanova ranks eighth in three-pointers attempted per game (28.8) while Providence ranks 240th (19.0).
The Wildcats rank eighth in steals allowed per game (4.5) while the Friars rank 166th (6.7).
Villanova ranks 17th in assists per game (16.8) while Providence ranks 134th (13.7).
The Wildcats rank 38th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Friars rank 136th (3.5).
Villanova ranks 150th in rebounds per game (35.4) while Providence ranks 185th in rebounds allowed per game (35.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Friars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 1.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wildcats have scored an average of 86.0 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 73.6 points per game (2.6 above their season average).
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