Tag: Providence Friars betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

March Madness: Providence vs. Kansas odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Providence vs. Kansas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The 4-seed Providence Friars (27-5) face the 1-seed Kansas Jayhawks (30-6) Friday in the Sweet 16 of the Midwest Region. Tip-off at the United Center in Chicago is set for 7:29 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the Providence vs. Kansas odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Providence won its first two tournament games handily, beating the 13-seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits 66-57 then taking down the 12-seed Richmond Spiders 79-51 in the Round of 32.

Kansas routed the 16-seed Texas Southern Tigers in the first round 83-56 before defeating the 9-seed Creighton Blue Jays 79-72, but failing to cover as 13.5-point favorites.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Providence vs. Kansas 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 12:02 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Providence +265 (bet $100 to win $265) | Kansas -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Providence +7.5 (-115) | Kansas -7.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 141.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[tipico]

Providence vs. Kansas odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Kansas 73, Providence 70

Money line

SPRINKLE on PROVIDENCE (+265), if at all, because of the chunky payout, there’s some reverse line movement in Providence’s direction and the Friars having all upperclassmen in their starting 5.

According to Pregame.com, more than 90% of the money is on Kansas but Providence has been lowered from a +310 underdog on the opener down to the current number. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

The House is obviously rooting for Providence and being on the same side as the sportsbooks, and against the public, is a good spot to be in as a sports bettor.

Furthermore, much has been said about Providence’s No. 1 ranked “luck” rating (according to KenPom) and the fact the Friars have eked out a lot of close victories. But, I’d argue Providence’s familiarity with tight games is to its advantage in this spot.

The much sharper play is the Friars plus the points but I’ll SPRINKLE on PROVIDENCE (+265)  because the payout is juicy.

(The prediction is an honest projection but there’s value in Providence’s ML).

Also see: Bet Slippin Podcast‘s March Madness 2022: Sweet 16 betting primer

Against the spread

Definitely BET PROVIDENCE +7.5 (-115)  instead of or heavier than its ML based on the analysis written above and because this is a much more profitable spot for the Friars.

Providence is 8-1 ATS as underdogs (plus-8.7 ATS margin), 4-0 ATS when being spotted 5 or more points, 14-4 ATS versus teams with a winning record and 4-2 ATS versus ranked teams (plus-5.3 ATS margin).

Kansas is 18-17 ATS as favorites, 11-13 ATS versus winning teams and 4-6 ATS versus ranked teams (minus-3.0 ATS margin).

PROVIDENCE PLUS THE POINTS  is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS because there isn’t a big enough margin between my prediction and the projected score. Also, the situational trends for either team don’t provide much of a clue for which side of the total is more profitable in this spot.

For what it’s worth, Providence is 16-16 O/U and 2-4 O/U versus ranked opponents while Kansas is 19-15-2 O/U and 5-5 O/U against ranked foes.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

March Madness: Richmond vs. Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Richmond vs. Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions, best bets.

The No. 12 seed Richmond Spiders (24-12) and No. 4 seed Providence Friars (26-5) meet Saturday for a Midwest Region second-round game of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Richmond vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Spiders picked up a 67-63 win as 9.5-point underdogs over the Big Ten Tournament champion Iowa Hawkeyes in their opening game as the Under cashed. UR has covered four consecutive games the Under has hit in its last two outings.

The Friars ended up with a 66-57 win over South Dakota State, fending off the 30-win Jackrabbits in their opener. Providence snapped an 0-2 ATS mini skid in the process.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

Richmond vs. Providence 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 9:18 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Richmond +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Providence -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Richmond +2.5 (-105) | Providence -2.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 133.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

[tipico]

Richmond vs. Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 67, Richmond 61

Money line

PROVIDENCE (-160) won the Big East regular-season title, but the books continue to give it little respect. The Friars beat South Dakota State in a low-scoring opening-round win, but the books still don’t trust Providence. Take advantage of the reasonable price.

Against the spread

PROVIDENCE -2.5 (-120) isn’t going to be headed home.

It catches a break facing the 12th seed, rather than meeting the Big Ten tournament champs from Iowa. It’s uncertain why the books continue to disrespect Providence, a team that is 4-1 ATS in its last five against winning teams. Maybe it’s because Richmond is on a heater, but the body of overall work for the Friars is way more impressive.

Over/Under

The UNDER 133.5 (-107) is the way to go. The trends point to the Under, as both teams have had low-scoring affairs lately.

The Under is 5-0 in the past five NCAA Tournament games for Providence and, more importantly, is 5-1 in its last six neutral-site games.

The Under is 13-4-1 in the past 18 games overall for Richmond while going 3-0-1 in its past four NCAA Tournament battles — including its first-round win.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn/ Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

March Madness: South Dakota State vs. Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Thursday’s South Dakota State vs. Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions, best bets.

The No. 13 seed South Dakota State Jackrabbits (30-4) and No. 4 seed Providence Friars (25-5) meet Thursday for a Midwest Region first-round game of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., is scheduled for 12:40 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the South Dakota State vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Jackrabbits have rattled off 21 consecutive victories since a 75-63 setback at Missouri State Dec. 15. The other losses for SDSU came against Idaho on the road, Washington on a neutral floor and Alabama on the road. That’s it.

Providence won the regular-season Big East title. That’s the good news. The bad news is that the Friars have lost three times in their last seven games, going 2-5 ATS during the dismal stretch. Providence picked a bad time for its worst stretch of basketball this season.

See also: Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

South Dakota State vs. Providence 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 6:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: South Dakota State +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Providence -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): South Dakota State +2.5 (-120) | Providence -2.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 147.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

[tipico]

South Dakota State vs. Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 78, South Dakota State 67

Money line

The books are being a little disrespectful to the Big East regular-season champ PROVIDENCE (-140). You don’t win the conference title without being a tremendous team, especially in that league.

The Friars did themselves no favors down the stretch with three losses in the past seven games, but who did South Dakota State actually beat? The Jackrabbits have 30 wins, but their best win might be a 77-74 neutral-site win over Washington State Dec. 11. The Cougars weren’t an NCAA Tournament team, and SDSU has just one win over a team in the Field of 64, topping Montana State Nov. 17.

I love a big upset this time of year. Who doesn’t? It’s not happening here.

Against the spread

There is very little reason to bet the money line when you can play PROVIDENCE -2.5 (-105) for a slightly cheaper price. Unless you are absolutely adamant this will be a two-point game, save yourself a little bit of bread.

Over/Under

The UNDER 147.5 (-108) is the play here but go lightly on the total.

The Under has cashed in five of the past seven for South Dakota State as an underdog while going 4-0 in the past four NCAA Tournament games for Providence as a favorite. The Under is also 4-1 in the past five for the Friars as a favorite on a neutral floor.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Big East Tournament: Creighton vs. Providence odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Creighton vs. Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The fourth-seeded Creighton Bluejays (21-10) will face the top-seeded Providence Friars (25-4) for a semifinal game in the Big East Tournament Friday. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden in New York is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Creighton vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Bluejays will enter this game after defeating the fifth-seeded Marquette Golden Eagles 74-63 Thursday, covering as 3-point underdogs. Four players hit double digits in scoring with F Ryan Hawkins leading the way with 18 points.

Creighton is 17-14 against the spread (ATS) on the year and led the Big East at 11-7-2 ATS in conference games.

The Friars handled the Bluejays 72-51 at home Feb. 26. Providence posted a 16-1 straight-up (SU) record at home on the season and was 9-3 on the road, including on neutral courts.

The Friars were 10-8 ATS in conference games but finished the season with three straight covers before failing to cover in their tournament opener against Butler. The No. 10 Friars are led by C Nate Watson, who averages 14.1 points per game.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Creighton vs. Providence 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 9:48 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Creighton +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Providence -180 (bet $180 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Creighton +3.5 (-120) | Providence -3.5 (-113)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -122 | U: -112)

[tipico]

Creighton vs. Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Creighton 67, Providence 65

Money line

SPRINKLE on CREIGHTON (+130).

Creighton is getting hot at the right time and it should carry some of the energy from its opener into the semifinal after putting up 45 points on the Marquette Golden Eagles in just the second half.

Creighton has recorded wins this season over third-seeded Uconn (twice) and second-seeded Villanova. It also beat BYU and St. John’s (twice).

Two of Creighton’s top-three scorers are seniors, Hawkins and G Alex O’Connell, and it has the size to counter Watson with 7-foot C Ryan Kalkbrenner who is the team’s second-leading scorer.

The Bluejays shot just 31% from the field and 19% from long when the teams met Feb. 26. With an improvement to the mean, I expect the Bluejays to come out on top.

Against the spread

BET on CREIGHTON +3.5 (-120).

Seven of Providence’s last 10 games have ended with margins of 5 points or fewer.

While it has proven it can win games, it certainly hasn’t been blowing teams out, especially in Big East play. Providence beat Marquette by just 2 points Jan. 30.

Providence is just 9-10 ATS as a favorite this season while Creighton is 10-5 ATS as an underdog. It has covered the spread by an average of 3.2 points as an underdog.

While their previous battle didn’t paint Creighton as a competitive matchup, their size and ability to play up their competition should help them cover and potentially win this game.

Over/Under

PASS.

Creighton is 10-20-1 O/U this season, and both teams are better defensively than they are offensively.

Nonetheless, 131.5 is a low enough total that I’d suggest staying away. Their Feb. 26 matchup ended 72-51 in favor of Providence and went under the 135.5 projected total.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Providence at Villanova odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Providence at Villanova odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in a Big East battle.

The No. 8 Providence Friars (24-3, 14-2 Big East) visit the Pavilion Tuesday to take on the No. 11 Villanova Wildcats (21-7, 14-4). Tip is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we look at the Providence vs. Villanova odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Providence is coming off a huge 21-point win (72-51) over Creighton Saturday. The Friars have won 3 straight games since losing at home to Villanova 89-84 Feb. 15. They’ve only lost to Virginia, ‘Nova and Marquette.

Providence is 16-11 against the spread (ATS), 3-2 ATS against ranked opponents and is a conference-best 6-2 ATS on the road.

Villanova is 7-5 ATS at home, only behind DePaul (12-5) in the Big East. The Wildcats are 14-13-1 ATS overall and 6-4-1 ATS against ranked opponents.

They are led by fifth-year senior G Collin Gillespie’s 16.6 points per game this season.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Providence at Villanova 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 2:36 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Providence +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Villanova -540 (bet $100 to win $540)
  • Against the spread: Providence +9.5 (-105) | Villanova -9.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Providence at Villanova odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 68, Providence 64

Money line

PASS.

At +380, Providence has good value. The Friars are 7-1 straight up on the road, but having been inconsistent offensively at times this season, I can’t fully get behind them.

Taking the points below has value though.

Against the spread

BET PROVIDENCE +9.5 (-105).

The Friars have gotten quite a bit of flak this season for winning close games and not putting it on weaker opponents, but they have a mere three losses. As mentioned, one of the losses was to the Wildcats by just 5 points.

The three times the Friars were underdogs by 5 or more points this season, they not only covered, but they went 3-0 straight up (SU). Those 3 times were at UConn, at Xavier and at Wisconsin. Providence is 5-0 SU/ATS as a road underdog.

In the season’s first meeting between these rivals, ‘Nova shot 50.9% from the field and 47.8% from deep (11-for-23), while Providence shot 48.4% and 21.7% from deep (5-for-23). If those averages return to normal, Providence wins the game.

The Friars have shown few weaknesses and have been able to hang with close teams. I’d take them to cover in this position.

Over/Under

LEAN to the UNDER 134.5 (-107).

Villanova made it rain the first time these teams met. Assuming that doesn’t happen again, there should be fewer points as both teams rank outside the top 200 in possessions per game.

Villanova sits 334th out of 358 programs in possessions per game. Basically, the Wildcats play an ultra-slow pace. The Friars don’t pick up the pace much either, ranking just 224th.

Villanova averages 66.4 possessions per game, while Providence averages 69.4. The Wildcats defense ranks 61st in opponents’ field-goal percentage, while the Friars rank 49th.

The ‘Cats are 14-14 O/U this season; the Friars are 14-13 O/U.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Xavier at Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Xavier at Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in a Big 12 battle.

The Xavier Musketeers (17-9, 7-8 Big East) visit the 10th-ranked Providence Friars (22-3, 12-2) Wednesday at Dunkin’ Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET (CBSSN). Below, we look at the Xavier vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Musketeers are in freefall, losing two in a row and four of the past five games overall. Xavier is coming off a 72-61 loss at Connecticut Saturday, and the Musketeers have dropped three of the past four games on the road.

The first-place Friars avoided a two-game losing streak with a 71-70 win at Butler in overtime Sunday. Providence posted a 65-62 win at Xavier Jan. 26 as 8.5-point underdogs as the Under connected.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Xavier at Providence 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 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Xavier +115 (bet $100 to win $115) | Providence -140 (bet $140 to win $100)
  • Against the spread: Xavier +1.5 (-105) | Providence -1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Xavier at Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 71, Xavier 67

Money line

PROVIDENCE (-140) is a decent play despite the fact G Aljami Durham (sports hernia) is a question mark. He missed the OT win at Butler due to injury, and it’s uncertain if and when he’ll attempt to play through the injury again. He is the team’s second-leading scorer, so if Durham cannot play, a win against Xavier (+110) is a much taller order. But Providence should still be able to get it done on its home floor.

Against the spread

PROVIDENCE -1.5 (-120) is worth a look here. Xavier +1.5 (-107) lost the first meeting, and it might be playing this one without G Nate Johnson (knee), which would somewhat offset the potential absence of Durham. Johnson has not played since Feb. 11 due to his knee ailment, and the Musketeers can ill-afford to be shorthanded against the first-place Friars.

PLAY: Our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Over/Under

The UNDER 139.5 (-110) is the slight lean here. The Over has cashed in three of the past four head-to-head battles, but both sides are likely to be missing key scorers. Go lightly, though, as there is still plenty of offense on both sides.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Villanova at Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Villanova Wildcats at Providence Friars odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in a Big East showdown.

The No. 10 Villanova Wildcats (19-6, 12-3 Big East) meet the No. 9 Providence Friars (21-2, 11-1) in a Tuesday top-10 showdown. The contest at the Dunkin Donuts Center is slated to tip off at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Villanova vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Villanova defeated Seton Hall 73-67 Saturday and has won three straight games and six of its last seven. The Wildcats shot just 41.7% from the field, but they prevailed by posting a plus-6 in the turnover exchange and hauling down their most offensive rebounds (13) since Jan. 1. A usually strong shooting VU squad has posted sub-47% figures in five of its last six games.

The Friars snuck by Big East 10th-place DePaul 76-73 in a Saturday overtime contest at home. Providence essentially trailed for 38 minutes before leveling the score and eventually winning in OT. Providence kept alive a win streak with the victory: The Friars have won eight in a row since losing their only Big East game Jan. 4 at Marquette.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Villanova at Providence 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 Tuesday at 7:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Villanova -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Providence +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Villanova -4.5 (-108) | Providence +4.5 (-112)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 132.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Villanova at Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Villanova 67, Providence 61

Money line

PASS for now, but consider a line watch. Villanova sports the much better offense, and a price south of -190 is worth a look.

Against the spread

The Friars are 0-4 ATS in their last four home games. The favorite is 5-2 ATS in the last seven VU-PC series games.

The Wildcats’ ability from the perimeter and their frequency of launching 3’s are key while being effective on the offensive glass, blind spots for this Friars squad.

Providence also hasn’t played as tough a schedule as Villanova.

TAKE VILLANOVA -4.5 (-108).

Over/Under

These are two of the slowest-tempo fives in an otherwise fast league. The Under 132.5 (-115) is a slight lean, but there are enough cross signals to keep this one out of profit’s reach. AVOID.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

DePaul at Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s DePaul at Providence odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The DePaul Blue Demons (12-10, 3-9 Big East) and No. 11 Providence Friars (20-2, 10-1) meet Saturday at Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, R.I. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the DePaul vs. Providence odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

DePaul defeated Georgetown 82-74 Wednesday and has won back-to-back games after going just 1-9 from Dec. 29-Jan. 29. DePaul had all kinds of shooting problems during that rough 10-game stretch and has for much of the season. The team with a 43.5% mark for the season shot a robust 51.7% Wednesday versus the Hoyas.

The Friars defeated the Blue Demons 70-53 Jan. 1. They would lose to Marquette the following game (Jan. 4) but have won seven in a row since. Just a slightly above-average shooting team, Providence is nonetheless solid on offense due to steady rebounding and a tremendous ability to get to the charity stripe. The Friars have gotten to the line 30 times in a game twice during their win streak.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

DePaul at Providence 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 9:29 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: DePaul +360 (bet $100 to win $360) | Providence -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): DePaul +9.5 (-115) | Providence -9.5 (-107)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 134.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

DePaul at Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 69, DePaul 61

Money line

The first meeting between these clubs in Chicago was a boat race, with Providence holding DePaul to a 27.8% mark on 2-point attempts. This tag isn’t too far out of whack: consider a small-unit play on PROVIDENCE (-500).

Against the spread

The Friars are much the best here, perhaps by a three-to-four-possession margin. However, this is too high a bar for profit: PASS.

Over/Under

The Under is 5-1 in DePaul’s last six games. The faster-tempo Blue Demons have been dragged into Unders every game against the Big East’s slower teams (UConn, Villanova, Providence, Butler), and their own pace numbers are highly influenced by their November- December non-conference games.

BACK THE UNDER 134.5 (-110) on a slight-to-moderate lean.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Providence at Georgetown odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Providence Friars at Georgetown Hoyas odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets in a Big East battle.

The No. 15 Providence Friars (19-2, 9-1 Big East) visit the Georgetown Hoyas (6-14, 0-9) Sunday at Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. Tip-off is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the Providence vs. Georgetown odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

The Friars, sitting atop the Big East standings, can pad their lead with a win against the cellar-dwelling Hoyas. Providence has won six straight, including an 83-75 home win Jan. 20 over Georgetown in the first meeting, although the Hoyas cover the spread as 9.5-point underdogs.

The Hoyas have dropped all nine of their conference games, and 10 straight outings overall. They’re just 3-7 against the spread (ATS) during the skid. The Over is 4-2 across the past six for Georgetown.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

Providence at Georgetown 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 12:19 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Providence -320 (bet $320 to win $100) | Georgetown +250 (bet $100 to win $250)
  • Against the spread: Providence -6.5 (-120) | Georgetown +6.5 (-105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Providence at Georgetown odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Providence 81, Georgetown 69

Money line

Providence (-320) will cost you 3.2 times your potential return. That’s just not worth the risk, especially on a road team.

AVOID and look to the spread instead.

Against the spread

Play PROVIDENCE -6.5 (-120) laying the points as the Friars have been playing good basketball lately. They’re a little inconsistent on offense, but the Friars should be able to take advantage of the Hoyas. Georgetown allows 76.8 points per game (PPG), ranking 333rd in Division I.

Yes, Georgetown covered in the first meeting, but don’t let that dissuade you from taking the visitors in this one. Winning by four buckets shouldn’t be much of an effort for the ranked Friars.

Over/Under

OVER 145.5 (-112) is the lean, but play it lightly. Again, the Hoyas are very giving on defense, but the Friars can struggle with their shot from time to time.

Still, the Over is 5-2 in Providence’s past seven games, and 6-1 in the past seven on the road against teams with a losing home record.

The Over has hit in nine of the past 12 at home for Georgetown, too. That’s the play here.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Providence at Xavier odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Providence at Xavier odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The No. 17 Providence Friars (16-2, 6-1 Big East) travel to Cintas Center in Cincinnati for a meeting with the No. 23 Xavier Musketeers (14-4, 4-3). Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Providence vs. Xavier odds and lines, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.

Rankings courtesy of the Ferris Mowers Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

The Musketeers have failed to cover in six of their last seven games. While they’re 10-8 against the spread (ATS), they’ve been far from the same team in Big East competition where they’re just 1-6 ATS.

The Musketeers average 74.5 points per game but their strength comes in their defensive play that holds opponents to just 40.3% shooting. Xavier will have its hands full against a Friars squad that shoots 44.6% from the field.

C Nate Watson is the main threat for Providence, a team that’s 11-7 ATS this season. They’ve covered six of their last 10 games and are 3-1 straight-up (SU) on the road this season.

Providence at Xavier 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 7:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Providence +320 (bet $100 to win $320) | Xavier -420 (bet $420 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Providence +8.5 (-110) | Xavier -8.5 (-110)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 138.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

Get some action on this matchup at Tipico Sportsbook, a trusted, global sports-betting leader and Sportsbook Wire’s official betting partner.

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO and NJ at Tipico now. IA, Tipico is coming to your state soon! New customer offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Providence at Xavier odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Xavier 70, Providence 66

Money line

PASS on the money line.

Xavier is 10-1 at home, so it should come out on top. However, the money line is certainly not worth betting on at -420. Providence (+320) is the only playable money line wager, but I’d rather take the points in this situation.

Against the spread

BET on PROVIDENCE +8.5 (-110).

The Musketeers have failed to cover the spread in four straight games, two of which they were 2-point favorites. On the other hand, Providence has covered four of its last seven outings.

Watson should prove to be too versatile for Mucketeers’ leading scorer Jack Nunge, a 7-foot center. This game is going to be won or lost in the paint, and Watson should prove to be more physical.

I expect a close, hard-fought game with the Friars playing better basketball as of late and the Musketeers playing to the level of their competition.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 138.5 (-107).

Neither team is great at shooting with both hitting under 34% of their attempts from deep. While the Friars are 9-9 O/U this season, it’s been profitable to bet on fewer points in Xavier games as they’re just 7-10-1 O/U.

Xavier has scored fewer than 70 points in three of its last four games and Providence has scored more than 70 points in just two of its last 10 outings. Neither team has been scoring a ton lately, making the Under an attractive play.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:

Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]