Providence vs DePaul Prediction 2/21/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Providence Friars and the DePaul Blue Demons meet Saturday in college basketball action from Wintrust Arena in Chicago. Here’s a Providence vs DePaul prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Providence vs DePaul pick. We will examine the recent form and player performances for both teams, as well as the recent betting trends and streaks pertaining to this matchup. As we conclude, we will tie it all together with a summary that produces a sensible pick for a favorable betting outcome in this game.

Providence Friars Betting Preview

The Friars started out the season on a decent 7-4 run in their first 11 games, then lost to Butler, Seton Hall, UConn, Xavier and Villanova in the next six games. After a win over Creighton came losses to Marquette, Georgetown, UConn and Villanova. Wins over Butler and DePaul came next then losses to Seton Hall and St. John’s, giving the team an 11-15 record so far.

Last weekend in the St. John’s rematch, the Friars came out of the first half with a 34-29 deficit. Providence didn’t end up getting any closer than that, hitting a 45-40 disadvantage in the second half on the way to a 79-69 loss on their home court. Stefan Vaaks had 20 points with five rebounds and three assists in the defeat and Ryan Mela added 14 points with nine boards.

DePaul Blue Demons Betting Preview

Over on the DePaul side, they were able to post an 8-6 run over the first 14 games. Next came a 4-2 stretch with wins over Xavier, Georgetown, Marquette and Seton Hall. The Blue Demons then lost to Georgetown, Xavier, St. John’s and Providence ahead of a tight win over Creighton last week. Over the first 25 games of the year that would give the Blue Demons a 13-12 record in the books.

In the Wednesday matchup with Seton Hall, the Blue Demons were down by two points in the locker room at halftime 35-33. DePaul hit a 36-22 run the rest of the way however, leading to a 69-57 victory on the road in the end. Tops in scoring was NJ Benson with 21 points and eight rebounds, while CJ Gunn had 18 points with seven rebounds and one assist in the victory effort.

Providence Friars @ DePaul Blue Demons Betting Trends: February 21, 2026

Why the DePaul Blue Demons will win

• DePaul has won each of its last seven home games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Providence has lost 11 of its last 12 road games against the Big East Conference.
• The home team has won the first half in five of the last six games between Providence and DePaul.

Why the Providence Friars will win

• DePaul has lost each of its last 10 Saturday night games against the Big East Conference.
• Providence has won each of its last six games at Wintrust Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
• Providence has won the first half in four of its last five games at Wintrust Arena.

Providence vs DePaul Prediction

I’ll probably just stay with the Friars but you could argue it either way. Providence didn’t shoot very well in their loss to St. John’s (33.3 percent) and had 14 turnovers with just 21.7 percent (5-of-23) from 3-point range. The Friars did well on the boards though, and they had 83.3 percent (20-of-24) from the line. Providence has lost consecutive games, giving up a combined 166 points in that pair.

These teams last saw each other on February 7 in a 90-72 win for the Friars at home. Providence shot a very nice 58.9 percent from the field in that one with a 39-25 rebounding advantage. The free throws (15-of-25 for 60 percent) could have been better, and the Friars put up 15 turnovers along the way. Still, Providence should have the inside track on a road cover here if all goes well.

Andrew Jett's Pick: Providence Friars +1.5