Villanova vs Providence | Predictions

vs.

#7 Villanova (17-2, 5-1 Big East) at Providence (12-8, 1-6 Big East)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011  at 7:00 PM EST on ESPN3.com

Money Line: Villanova -240 / Providence +200
Spread: Villanova -6

Check out the latest College Basketball Odds here.

The Friars appear to be the big underdog in their upcoming bout with No. 7 Villanova Wildcats, and will use the lessons they learned from their recent upset over then No. 15 Louisville when the host their Big East sibling on Wednesday.

Providence, a team that has lost six of its last seven games, are certainly no strangers to knocking off top 25 opponents as they demonstrated toppling the Cardinals 72-67 in Big East play at the Dunkin’ Donuts Center last weekend.

Senior guard Marshon Brooks posted a game-high 27 points, while second-year guard Gerard Coleman added 19, including the game-clinching free throw.

The Friars’ defense held the Cardinals to 17 percent shooting from three-point range, and stymied an otherwise solid Louisville defense turning the ball over just 12 times.

The win was just the second over a top-25 team for Providence, who defeated Connecticut, 81-66, at home January 27, 2010.

As for Villanova, they themselves pulled off the improbable, upsetting third-ranked Syracuse 83-72 at the Carrier Dome on Saturday. Maalik Wayns and Corey Fisher combined to hit 6 of 7 shots from beyond the arc in the first half, giving ‘Nova a huge lead, as they held on for the win.

The ‘Cats played at a steady pace, scoring at will from beyond the arc in the first half, hitting 8 of 13 en route to a double-digit lead in the first 10 minutes of play. Fisher and Corey Stokes each had 16 points and Antonio Pena 10 for Villanova.

The Friars lost 92-18 the last time the two teams met back on Feb 13, 2010, and trail in the overall series 38-22 since 1980.

The key to any chance that Providence has to beat the surging Wildcats will lie in their ability to play better defense against Big East opponents, controlling the in-the-paint matchups of Mouphtaou Yarou and Pena, particularly on the glass.. They have struggled, allowing an average of nearly 80 points in their first seven conference tilts. Brooks will present another challenge, from 3-point range. I am afraid the Wildcats have too many offensive weapons for the young Friars in this one.

Free Pick: Villanova

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Villanova Wildcats Betting Trends:

• Villanova is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games on the road
• Villanova is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing on the road against Providence
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Villanova’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Providence

Providence Friars Betting Trends:

• Providence is 2-4 ATS in its last 6 games
• Providence is 1-6 SU in its last 7 games
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Providence’s last 5 games
• Providence is 11-3 SU in its last 14 games at home

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