Friday’s Big East Picks
The 2018 Big East Tournament is down to its semifinals tonight. Which teams will fight their way to a cover in the two games?
857 Providence +8 vs. 858 Xavier, 6:30PM ET (FS1)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Xavier is the favorite in this game, with the Musketeers getting odds of -8 points against the Friars. Xavier looked really good on Thursday against St. John’s in an 88-60 victory. The Musketeers have won four straight since a loss to Villanova. That includes an 84-74 win at home over Providence. The Friars have won back-to-back games since that loss and have covered in three of their last four, including the loss to Xavier. Providence also owns an 81-72 win over Xavier from earlier this season. This is a tough call, but I am going to give the edge to Xavier. The Musketeers have an offense that has translated better on the road while Providence scores less than 70 per game away from home. I don’t expect the Providence defense to be strong enough to keep Xavier in check today. BIG EAST PREDICTIONS: 858 XAVIER -8
Bet on Big East for Friday, March 9, 2018
859 Butler +8.5 vs. 860 Villanova, 9PM ET (FS1)
Oddsmakers have a big spread in this game as well with Villanova giving 8.5 points to Butler. These two split the season series, with each team winning at home and covering the spread. Butler has been a problem for Nova in the past, as the Bulldogs have won three of the last four meetings and covered in four of the last five encounters. However, Butler hasn’t been playing it’s best, especially away from home. Excluding home games, Butler has lost three of its last four and failed to cover in all four. I like Nova to be able to handle the Bulldogs on a neutral floor tonight. BIG EAST PREDICTIONS: 860 VILLANOVA -8.5
Matchup Histories for Friday, March 9, 2018