Villanova vs. Providence Pick
Can No. 1 Villanova cover a big spread when the Wildcats host Providence tonight at 6:30PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Villanova is the clear favorite at home, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -14.5 points against Providence. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 152.5 points. Tonight’s game takes place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and will air live on FS1.
Since a loss to Butler on Dec. 30, Villanova has won five straight, with four by at least 10 points. The Wildcats are 18-1 overall, 5-1 in the Big East and 13-6 against the spread. Nova is averaging 87.9 points per game this season while giving up 68.4 per contest. Jalen Brunson is leading Villanova with 19 points and 5.2 assists per game while Mikal Bridges is adding 17 points and 6 rebounds per contest.
Providence has won four straight since an OT loss to Marquette on Jan. 3. The Friars are 14-6 overall, 5-2 in the Big East and 7-11 against the spread. Providence has covered in four straight as well. The Friars are averaging 76.9 points per game this season while allowing 71.5 per contest. Rodney Bullock is leading Providence with 16 points and 6.8 rebounds per game to lead the Friars. Alpha Diallo is adding 11.9 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest.
Bet on Providence vs. Villanova
Villanova has won nine of its last 10 meetings with Providence, but the Friars have covered the spread in five of their last six encounters. Both teams are playing really well right now. Nova looks like the best team in the country, while the Friars are as hot as they have been all year. However, most of their strong play recently has come at home. They are still just 2-3 on the road this season and 2-3 ATS in those road games. The public betting is slightly with Villanova tonight and I am siding with the Cats at home as well.
CBB DAILY PREDICTION: VILLANOVA -14.5