It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the DePaul Blue Demons (8-8, 1-3 Big East) welcome the Providence Friars (11-6, 2-2 Big East) to Wintrust Arena. The game begins at 8:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 12, 2018.
Providence is a 2-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 148.5 points.
Providence Friars vs. DePaul Blue Demons Free Prediction
The Friars will be hoping for a similar outcome after beating the No. 5 Xavier Musketeers in their last contest, 81-72. The Friars made 20 of their 22 free throws (90.9 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 12.1 (better than their season average of 16.7). Providence was led by Kyron Cartwright, who led the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-16 shooting.
In the Blue Demons’ last matchup, they defeated the St. John’s Red Storm, 91-74. The Blue Demons knocked down 22 of their 29 free throws (75.9 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.1 (above their season average of 33.0). Marin Maric was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 7-for-8 shooting.
The offensive glass could be a huge advantage for DePaul in this contest. The Blue Demons rank 66th in offensive rebounding percentage (33.7 percent), while Providence ranks 245th in defensive rebounding percentage (69.8 percent).
Max Strus has averaged 25.2 points, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals over the last five games for DePaul.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Friars won the most recent matchup 73-64. The Friars made 24 of their 28 free throws (85.7 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.2 vs. 21.9).
Providence Friars at DePaul Blue Demons Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Providence, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Providence averages 15.1 assists per game, which ranks 76th in the NCAA. DePaul ranks 171st in assists allowed per game (14.5).
The Friars rank 158th in three pointers allowed per game (22.8) while the Blue Demons rank 239th (25.7).
DePaul averages 37.8 rebounds per game, which ranks 85th in the nation. Providence ranks 157th in rebounds allowed per game (35.7).
The Friars rank 48th in steals per game (7.5) while the Blue Demons rank 105th (6.4).
Providence averages 4.3 blocks per game, which ranks 56th in the NCAA. DePaul ranks 80th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Friars’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 4.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Demons have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (6.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 82.0 points per game (9.6 above their season average).
