The Providence Friars (8-6, 1-0 Big East) will be at Wintrust Arena to square off with the DePaul Blue Demons (12-2, 0-1 Big East) in a Big East matchup. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Providence Friars vs. DePaul Blue Demons Betting Odds
In their last game, the Blue Demons lost to the Seton Hall Pirates, 74-66, while the Friars defeated the Georgetown Hoyas, 76-60.
Providence’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Georgetown. The Friars had a rate of 0.635 (above their season average of 0.468), while the Hoyas posted a mark of 0.430 (below their season average of 0.522). DePaul, meanwhile, held Seton Hall to an offensive rebounding percentage of 23.5 (below their season average of 29.2). Paul Reed led the way for DePaul, putting up 17 points and nine rebounds. Alpha Diallo played a pivotal role for Providence with 20 points and eight rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their two games last season. In the last contest, the Blue Demons won 67-55. The Blue Demons’ 41.2 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over the Friars, who had a rate of 27.5. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
DePaul could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they square off against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. The Blue Demons currently rank 53rd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.449), while Providence is 273rd in effective field goal percentage (0.478).
Providence vs. DePaul Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Depaul, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Providence ranks 48th in rebounds per game (39.5) while DePaul ranks 192nd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- The Friars rank 13th in assists per game (17.1) while the Blue Demons rank 87th in assists allowed per game (11.7).
- Providence averages 22.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 132nd in the NCAA. DePaul ranks 179th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
- The Friars average 9.9 steals per game, which ranks ninth in the country. The Blue Demons rank 145th in steals allowed per game (7.5).
- DePaul ranks 13th in blocks per game (5.8) while Providence ranks 106th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Friars have been outscored by an average of 0.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Providence has defeated opponents by an average of 7.7 points.
- During their last five games, the Blue Demons have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.2 points per game (5.1 above their season average).
