Providence Friars betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets – Page 3

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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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)

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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.

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Providence at Creighton odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Tuesday’s Providence Friars at Creighton Bluejays odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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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St. John’s at Providence odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s St. John’s Red Storm at Providence Friars odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. John’s Red Storm (9-3, 1-0 in Big East) clash with the No. 17 Providence Friars (13-2, 3-1) in a conference game Saturday at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center. The tip-off is scheduled for noon ET. Below, we look at the St. John’s vs. Providence 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.

St. John’s returned from a multiple-week COVID-related layoff to beat the DePaul Blue Demons Wednesday 89-85 but failed to cover as 5.5-point home favorites. Johnnies wing Julian Champagnie had game-highs in points (34) and rebounds (16) and leads the Big East in scoring at 21.5 points per game.

The Red Storm are 4-8 ATS and 7-5 O/U with the 321st-ranked strength of schedule (out of 358 Division I schools), according to USA TODAY’s Jeff Sagarin.

Providence had its eight-game winning streak snapped Tuesday when the Friars (-1) got routed by the Marquette Golden Eagles 88-56. Providence was outshot from everywhere on the floor including 52.5-32.8% from the field and threw 18 fewer assists (24-6).

The Friars are 10-5 ATS and 6-9 O/U with the 27th-toughest schedule (Sagarin). Providence could be without senior guard A.J. Reeves, who’s the Friar’s third-leading scorer (10.7 PPG) and is dealing with a finger injury.

St. John’s has beaten Providence in three consecutive meetings, all by double digits and has covered the last four.

Champagnie is averaging 15.3 PPG on 62.5% shooting (58.9% from behind the arc) with 8.0 rebounds per in four career games versus Providence.

St. John’s 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: St. John’s +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Providence -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): St. John’s +4.5 (-110) | Providence -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 145.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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St. John’s at Providence odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

St. John’s 77, Providence 71

Money line

SPRINKLE on ST. JOHN’S (+165) with the plan of betting more on the Johnnies plus the points.

St. John’s has by far the best player on the floor in Champagnie while Providence’s highest-recruited player, Reeves, is listed on the injury report as “doubtful”.

Furthermore, these teams know each other well, and the biggest roster loss for either team was former Providence guard David Duke Jr. entering this past NBA draft. Duke is now starting games for the Brooklyn Nets and was Providence’s second-leading scorer last season.

On the other hand, Champagnie returned for another season at St. John’s to improve his draft stock, which he has, and Johnnies’ sophomore PG Posh Alexander has improved year-over-year as well.

Alexander was Big East Co-Defensive Player of the Year last season as a freshman and has improved his points, rebounds and assists per game averages.

Again, we are only SPRINKLING on ST. JOHN’S (+165) because Johnnies plus the points is the much wiser wager.

Against the spread

Definitely BET ST. JOHN’S +4.5 (-110) heavier than, or instead of, the money line. This line seems low for a Providence -4.5 (-107) team that’s ranked and has mowed down much better competition than St. John’s. It feels like the oddsmakers are setting a trap making the Friars this cheap.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Over 145.5 (-115) since I like St. John’s to win this game so it should dictate the tempo and the Johnnies play at the 10th-fastest pace in the country.

Also, the Over has cashed in two of the past three St. John’s-Providence meetings, and the Johnnies have gone Over the total in four of their last six games.

However, Providence plays at the 328th-fastest pace and has gone Under the total in six of its last seven games.

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Villanova at Providence odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s Villanova Wildcats at Providence Friars odds and lines, with college basketball betting picks, tips and predictions.

The No. 9 Villanova Wildcats (16-4 overall, 11-3 Big East) travel to meet the Providence Friars (12-12, 8-10) Saturday in Alumni Hall for a 2:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we analyze the Villanova-Providence odds and lines, with NCAA college basketball picks and predictions.

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

Villanova at Providence: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:35 a.m. ET.

Money line: Villanova -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Providence +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
Against the spread/ATS: Villanova -4.5 (-110) | Providence +4.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 139.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Villanova at Providence: Three things to know

The Wildcats won an emotional game over visiting Creighton on Wednesday night, but they lost PG Collin Gillespie to a torn medial collateral ligament in his left knee. He is expected to miss the rest of the season. Gillespie was second on the team with 14.0 points per game, and he led the club with 4.6 assists per outing while also helping with 3.3 rebounds and 1.0 steals per contest.
Villanova spanked Providence in suburban Philly back on Jan. 23, winning 71-56 while covering an 11.5-point spread. That was at home, though. The Wildcats have lost three in a row on the road, falling at Butler, at Creighton and at St. John’s. Their last win away from home was Jan. 30 at Seton Hall.
The Friars were humbled 81-67 by St. John’s and they have dropped two of the past three. Both of those losses were on the road, however. At home, they have won each of the past two, including a solid victory over Xavier on Feb. 24 at 1.5-point underdogs, 83-68.

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Villanova at Providence: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Providence 72, Villanova 69

Money line (ML)

PROVIDENCE (+165) is worth a look as moderate home ‘dogs, as Villanova (-200) is coming off an emotional roller coaster. They won the big mid-week clash with Creighton, but they lost one of their stars.

And the Wildcats haven’t been very good on the road lately, so the value play is backing the Friars.

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Against the spread (ATS)

PROVIDENCE +4.5 (-110) is the way to go if you don’t trust them straight up, but expect a tight game. The Wildcats are 0-3 ATS in their past three forays away from home, and the Friars are 5-2 ATS across their past seven at home.

Providence is also a sparkling 6-0 ATS in their previous six at home against teams with a winning road record.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 139.5 (-110) is a good bet, even though Villanova is missing one of their stars on offense. While they lose some point production, they also lose a little bit of defense, too. Providence should be able to take advantage.

The Over is 4-1 in Villanova’s past five on the road, too. This one won’t be end-to-end action, as Providence has trended more to the Under, but it will inch across the finish line to the Over.

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