Providence (19-11) vs Connecticut (27-3)
Game Info: Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 8:00 pm (Amica Mutual Pavilion)
Betting Odds: Providence +9.5 - Over/Under: 140.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: FOX
The Providence Friars will host the UConn Huskies for a Big East matchup this Saturday from the Amica Mutual Pavilion on FOX. UConn comes in as 9.5-point road favorites, with the total hovering 140.5. Stay tuned for our UConn vs Providence Prediction.
Connecticut Preview: Can the Huskies Spoil Another Senior Night?
UConn climbed to 27-3 after defeating Marquette in Milwaukee, 74-67. The Huskies held off a late rally from the Golden Eagles, and they’ll look to complete another sweep here in Providence. Connecticut is scoring 81.4 points per game, on 49.5% shooting, while allowing 72.7 ppg, and they’re currently first in the Big East with a 15-1 record in conference play. The Huskies are 9-1 over their previous ten games, and they’re 7-3 on the road this season.
UConn Team Profile
- Dan Hurley’s team uses a pass-heavy approach, averaging 68.0 possessions per game (302nd), and they’ve knocked down 36.5% of their three-point attempts.
- Veteran guard Tristen Newton posted a double-double in the January 31st win over Providence, and he leads Connecticut in scoring (15.1), rebounding (7.1) and assists (5.9).
- Rutgers transfer Cam Spencer hit five threes in the Marquette victory, and he’s second on the team at 14.9 ppg and 3.3 apg.
- Sophomore forward Alex Karaban led the way with 23 points versus Marquette, and he’s up to 14.2 ppg and 5.1 rpg.
- Bristol native Donovan Clingan posted a 19-point double-double in the Seton Hall victory, and he’s averaging 12.4 ppg and 6.9 rpg.
Providence Preview: Will the Friars Bring the Fight?
Providence moved to 19-11 after defeating Georgetown in Washington, 71-58. The Friars spoiled their former coach’s senior night with a strong 40 minutes, and they’ll look for success in their own home finale here against the Huskies. Providence is scoring 73.2 points per game, on 45.1% shooting, while allowing 66.6 ppg, and they’re currently 6th in the Big East with a 9-9 record in league play. The Friars are 5-5 over their last ten games, and they’ve gone 14-3 in Providence this season.
Providence Team Profile
- Kim English’s squad plays at a solid pace, averaging 71.3 possessions per game (141st), but they shoot just 33.3% from the outside.
- Junior guard Devin Carter recorded a 24-point double-double in the win over Georgetown, and he leads Providence in scoring (19.2) and rebounding (8.4).
- GMU transfer Josh Oduro went for a game-high 20 points in the January loss to UConn, and he’s second on the team at 16.2 ppg and 7.1 rpg.
- Sophomore swingman Bryce Hopkins (15.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg) remains out of the lineup.
Connecticut vs Providence Trends
- UConn leads the current series, 42-30, after winning three of the last five meetings.
- CONN is 19-11 against the spread, with a 16-14 O/U record
- PROV is 18-12 ATS, with a 14-16 over/under record.
UConn vs Providence Prediction
UConn prevailed against a short-handed Marquette team in Milwaukee, and I believe that success will carry into their matchup with Providence. The Friars season will be on the line here, as a win over the defending champs here in March would do wonders for their bubble hopes, so we should also see their best after defeating their former coach in DC. I wish the spread was a bit more in Connecticut’s favor, but with Providence having a lot to play for, I like targeting the attainable total. UConn may even be able to handle the heavy lifting themselves, so let’s back the Over for this Big East contest.
Corey’s Pick CONN/PROV To GO OVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
