The ninth-ranked Villanova Wildcats (15-3, 5-1 Big East) travel to Dunkin’ Donuts Center to meet the Providence Friars (11-9, 4-3 Big East). The Wildcats will try to continue their five-game winning streak. Action starts at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 25, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats at Providence Friars ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Friars were beaten by the 10th-ranked Seton Hall Pirates, 73-64, while the Wildcats beat the 13th-ranked Butler Bulldogs, 76-61.
Villanova played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.344 (above their season average of 0.203) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.2 (below their season average of 28.8). Butler was 0.063 and 22.0, respectively, for those same stats. Providence, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 48.7 (above their season average of 33.4). Providence received a boost from Alpha Diallo, who contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Jeremiah Robinson-Earl played a key role for Villanova with 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Wildcats dominated this series last year, winning all three games. In the last matchup, Villanova won 73-62. Villanova had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 17.2). Providence, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (17-21; 81.0 percent). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Points at the line could be few and far between for Providence in this showdown. The Friars rank 154th in the country with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.231, while Villanova ranks 13th in FTA rate allowed (0.152). Also, the Wildcats rank 32nd in turnover percentage (16.6 percent), while the Friars rank 43rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.0 percent).
Villanova Wildcats at Providence Friars Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Providence ranks 17th in steals per game (9.1) while Villanova ranks 138th (6.1).
- The Wildcats rank 125th in rebounds per game (36.5) while the Friars rank 203rd in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
- Providence ranks 78th in blocks per game (3.7) while Villanova ranks 121st in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- The Wildcats rank 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.4) while the Friars rank 137th (22.5).
- Providence averages 15.4 assists per game, which ranks 40th in the nation. Villanova ranks 134th in assists allowed per game (12.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.8, up from 8.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Friars have scored an average of 68.0 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (5.0 above their season average).
