9:05 pm
January 4

#16 Providence @ Marquette

Who will WIN this matchup?

#16 Providence Friars (13-1)

@ Marquette Golden Eagles (8-6)

 

Current odds:

Providence Friars: (-110)

Marquette Golden Eagles: (-110)

 

• The spread for the game is even.

• The Friars (13-1, 3-0 Big East) are averaging 69.5 points over the past eight games while holding opponents to an average of 59.1. Providence is coming off a 70-53 win over DePaul on Saturday. Aljami Durham led the way with 17 points, while Justin Minaya added 12 points and 11 rebounds and Jared Bynum had 12 points off the bench. Coach Ed Cooley’s team also had its best performance from 3-point range on the season, going 8-for-15 (53.3 percent) from beyond the arc.

• Defense has played a key role in Providence’s success, as the Friars have held opponents under 40 percent from the field in eight of 14 games this season. The offense has also been extremely balanced. Four players have double-figure scoring averages, with Nate Watson pacing the team with 13.9 points per game.

• Marquette (8-6, 0-3) finds itself in the midst of a four-game losing streak after falling 75-69 to Creighton on Saturday in a double-overtime thriller. The Golden Eagles fought back from a 17-point deficit, but ultimately came up short. Reserve Oso Ighodaro had a career-high 22 points on 10-of-12 shooting. Darryl Morsell chipped in 13 points in his first game back from health and safety protocol, and Tyler Kolek had 11 points, six rebounds and six assists. Justin Lewis contributed nine points and 12 rebounds despite going just 4-for-18 from the field.

• The Golden Eagles have dropped their last three home games and have shot 39.6 percent in those games. Their last home win came on Nov. 30 against Jackson State. Kam Jones is in health and safety protocol and is questionable for Tuesday’s matchup. Despite being one of the youngest players on the team, the freshman is averaging the third-most points on the team with 7.7 and had played at least 20 minutes in five of his last six games before entering the protocol.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
#16 Providence Friars
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