Creighton (23-7) vs Providence (20-12)
Game Info: Thursday, March 14, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Madison Square Garden)
Betting Odds: Creighton -7.5 -- Over/Under: 141.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: FS1
The Creighton Blue Jays and the Providence Friars will meet in the quarterfinals of the Big East Tournament this Thursday in New York City from Madison Square Garden on FS1. Creighton enters as 7.5-point favorites, with the total hovering 141.5. Stay tuned for our Providence vs Creighton Prediction.
Providence Preview: Will the Friars Extend Their Stay at MSG?
Providence comes in at 20-12 after defeating Georgetown in the first round, 75-56. The Friars ended their former head coach’s season with an assertive victory, and they’ll have to bring the same energy here versus the Jays. Providence is scoring 72.8 points per game, on 44.8% shooting, while allowing 68.9 ppg, and they’re 5-5 over their last ten games.
Providence Team Profile
- Kim English’s squad plays at a solid pace, averaging 71.3 possessions per game (141st), but they shoot just 33.2% from the outside.
- Junior guard Devin Carter recorded a 24-point double-double in the UConn matchup, and he leads Providence in scoring (19.4) and rebounding (8.6).
- GMU transfer Josh Oduro led the way with 20 points in the Georgetown victory, and he’s second on the team at 16.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg.
- Sophomore swingman Bryce Hopkins (15.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg) remains out of the lineup.
Creighton Preview: Blue Jays Seeking Different Results at the Garden
Creighton closed at 23-8 after defeating Villanova in Philly by two, 69-67. The Blue Jays held off a fierce rally from the Wildcats on the road, and they’ll look to avenge their last trip to MSG here against the Friars. Creighton is scoring 80.8 points per game, on 49% shooting, while allowing 69.5 ppg, and they’re 7-3 over their previous ten games.
Creighton Team Profile
- Greg McDermott’s group uses a pass-heavy approach on the offensive end, which has led to them averaging 69.3 possessions per game (273rd), and they’ve connected on 36.5% of their three-pointers.
- Senior swingman Baylor Scheierman grabbed 16 boards in the win over Marquette, and he leads Creighton in scoring (18.5) and rebounding (8.8).
- OKC native Trey Alexander showed out at MSG with a team-high 31 points versus St. John’s last month, and he’s averaging 17.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, and a team-leading 4.9 apg.
- Veteran center Ryan Kalkbrenner led the way with 23 points in the Seton Hall victory, and he’s averaging 17.1 ppg and 7.3 rpg.
Providence vs Creighton Trends
- Providence leads the head-to-head series, 20-15, but Creighton has won three of the last five meetings.
- PROV is 18-13 against the spread, with a 14-17 O/U record
- CREI is 16-14-1 ATS, with a 15-16 over/under record.
Providence vs Creighton Prediction
Providence did their fans justice by bullying Ed Cooley and Georgetown over the last couple of weeks, but they will meet their match here against Creighton. The Blue Jays possess arguably the strongest trio of players in the country, and the Friars have a tough time slowing down after picking up a victory last night. Devin Carter is one of the top players in the conference himself, but it’s going to take another heroic effort to eliminate the Jays, and that may not even be enough. Let’s tilt Creighton’s margin, and back then to advance here against Providence.
Corey’s Pick Creighton TO COVER
AUTHOR: Corey Ghee
