The No. 20 Providence Friars (14-2, 4-1 Big East) and Creighton Bluejays (10-4, 2-1) meet Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET in Omaha, Neb. Below, we look at the Providence vs. Creighton odds and lines and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Providence was bludgeoned by 32 points (88-56) at Marquette in its last road game Jan. 4. The loss snapped an eight-game win streak, but the Friars did bounce back with an 83-73 win over St. John’s Saturday. Providence shot 50.9% in that game, marking its best shooting performance since Nov. 27.
The Bluejays also suffered a 30-plus-point loss in their last road game, getting roasted 75-41 at Villanova Wednesday. Creighton returns home where it is just 1-2 in the last three games. At home and abroad, turnovers have been a major problem for the Bluejays. They rank 10th in the 11-team conference in both turnovers committed (14.3 per game) and forced (11.1).
Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Providence at Creighton odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:53 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Providence +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Creighton -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Providence +4.5 (-120) | Creighton -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Providence at Creighton odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Creighton 68, Providence 63
Money line
Both teams defend all over the floor, but Creighton is the likable side at home.
Consider a line watch here: If the price on CU dips to -150 or better, make a play on the Bluejays. If not, PASS and go with a partial-unit play against the number.
Against the spread
These teams split a pair of games last season with the Friars going 2-0 ATS. Tuesday will feature a grizzled veteran Providence squad visiting a youthful Creighton team. The Bluejays are on their home hardwood for the first time since Dec. 17, and come in having played a very tough slate over recent weeks.
The Friars laid an egg on the road last week. Neither side is all that competent from beyond the arc, but the Bluejays have shown some signs of growth in that area and against some tough foes of late.
TAKE CREIGHTON -4.5 (-105).
Over/Under
The Under hit in each of the last three head-to-head meetings. Plus, the Under is 11-3 in the Bluejays’ last 14 games vs. teams with winning records.
Neither side piles up points from beyond the arc. Providence excels at getting to the free-throw line, but Creighton does well to avoid fouls. Both teams have field-goal percentages on the wane and improving defensive-efficiency figures. Both also play at slower-than-average tempos.
BACK THE UNDER 133.5 (-107).
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