Providence Friars vs Villanova Wildcats NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 1/17/25
Betting on today’s Friars and Wildcats game? Catch the action at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA, as the Wildcats hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on FS1. This Big East conference matchup has an over/under of 141.5 points, and Villanova is favored to win by -7.5 at home vs. Providence.
PROVIDENCE FRIARS VS VILLANOVA WILDCATS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Providence Friars +7.5
This game will be played at Finneran Pavilion at 7:00 ET on Friday, January 17th.
WHY BET THE PROVIDENCE FRIARS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-70 in favor of the Wildcats.
- Even though we have Villanova winning straight-up, we like Providence at +7.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 141.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Taking a Look at the Friars Chances on the Road
Providence Friars Recent Game/Games
Providence fell to 9-9 on the season after an 84-64 road loss to Creighton on Tuesday. The Friars entered the game as +9.5 underdogs and failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 148, just over the 146.5 O/U line.
Providence trailed 43-34 at halftime and struggled to close the gap in the second half, scoring 30 points while allowing 41.
Providence struggled offensively in their last game, shooting just 38.2% from the field and 20% from three-point range, hitting only 4 of 20 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.2%, and they managed just 8 assists as a team.
Ryan Kalkbrenner and Steven Ashworth each scored 20 points, with Kalkbrenner shooting 66.7% overall and hitting 2 of 4 from deep. Ashworth made 4 of 10 from beyond the arc, while Isaac Traudt was perfect, going 4 for 4 from three-point range.
Providence’s defense struggled in their last game, giving up 84 points while allowing the opposition to shoot 51% from the field. They had difficulty containing two-point attempts, with opponents hitting 60% of their shots inside the arc.
The Friars also allowed 14 three-pointers on 32 attempts, a 43% shooting rate. On the free-throw line, the opposing team went 6/12. Providence limited offensive rebounds, giving up just 6.
Can Villanova Pull Off a Home Win?
Villanova Wildcats Recent Game/Games
Villanova fell to 11-7 on the season after a 69-63 road loss to Xavier on Tuesday. The Wildcats entered the game as +3 point underdogs and didn’t cover the spread. The total points for the game were 132, which was under the O/U line of 146.5.
Villanova led 32-24 at halftime but allowed 45 points in the 2nd half while scoring 31. The Wildcats will need to tighten up their defense moving forward.
Villanova’s offense put up 63 points in their last game, shooting 43.1% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc, connecting on 8 of 21 three-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 51%, and they hit 78.6% of their free throws, going 11 for 14 from the line.
Ryan Conwell led the way with 34 points, shooting 61.5% overall and 60% from three, hitting 6 of 10 attempts. Eric Dixon and Jordan Longino each added 18 points, with both shooting 60% from deep as well, hitting 3 of 5 threes.
Villanova’s defense gave up 69 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 40% from the field. They held their opponent to 41% shooting on two-point attempts, allowing 10 baskets on 24 tries.
From beyond the arc, Villanova’s defense allowed 10 threes on 25 attempts, a 40% shooting rate. The opposing team also went 19/26 from the free-throw line, shooting 73%. Villanova gave up 7 offensive rebounds.