Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Providence Friars Betting Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, College Basketball

The Providence Friars (7-2) will be at home in the Dunkin’ Donuts Center when they meet the Massachusetts Minutemen (5-4). The game begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 7, 2018.

Massachusetts Minutemen at Providence Friars Betting Odds

Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Friars defeated the Siena Saints 77-67, while the Minutemen beat the Massachusetts-Lowell River Hawks 83-75.

Massachusetts played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.246 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.557. For those same stats, Massachusetts-Lowell was 0.186 and 0.443, respectively. The Friars, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (44.0 vs. 31.0) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.670 vs. 0.569). Alpha Diallo was a key piece for Providence with 16 points, 11 rebounds and five assists. Carl Pierre, meanwhile had a good outing for Massachusetts, contributing 21 points.

The Minutemen won the sole game between these two teams last year, 72-63. Massachusetts had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.635 vs. 0.456). Providence, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (15.4 vs. 23.2).

The aggressive Providence offense could be living from the free throw line in this showdown. Since last season, the Friars rank 55th in the nation with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.272, while Massachusetts has been among the country’s most foul-prone squads (giving up a 173rd-ranked FTA rate of 0.245).

Massachusetts Minutemen vs. Providence Friars Odds Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Providence, ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • Massachusetts ranks 46th in three pointers attempted per game (22.9) while Providence ranks 268th (19.1).
  • The Minutemen rank 13th in blocks allowed per game (3.1) while the Friars rank 139th (3.3).
  • Massachusetts ranks 162nd in rebounds per game (33.5) while Providence ranks 214th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
  • The Minutemen rank 20th in steals allowed per game (6.0) while the Friars rank 196th (6.5).
  • Providence ranks 127th in assists allowed per game (12.8) while Massachusetts ranks 294th (15.9).