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Villanova head coach Kyle Neptune has yet to win over the fanbase. Tuesday's loss to Marquette might have been the straw that broke the camel's back, as the Wildcats are now in dire straits.
It was a must-win against Marquette, and now Villanova has suffered five consecutive losses. The Wildcats will welcome the Providence Friars to the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday with a chance to end the slide.
The Friars suffered a tough loss at UConn on Wednesday, as they predictably struggled to score against the Huskies. Despite the Wildcats' downward spiral, any road game in the Big East (except DePaul) is not easy.
Let's break down both teams below to uncover the best bet for Providence vs. Villanova.
Providence vs. Villanova Odds
Sunday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1)
| Providence Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| +4.5 -110 |
136 -110o / -110u |
OFF |
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| -4.5 -110 |
136 -110o / -110u |
OFF |
Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NCAAB odds here.
Providence Friars
Typically after a tough loss, that team in its next matchup presents a buy-low opportunity. But the Friars' offense is the main reason they do not fit that narrative.
However, there is an opportunity to take advantage of Villanova's defense in this matchup. The Wildcats are a mediocre interior defensive team, and they get killed from beyond the arc. The Friars are due for better fortune from 3-point land, so their offense is in the position to have better success.
Defensively, they are a strong unit. The Friars played well defensively against UConn, but their offense let them down. The Wildcats are due for better fortune from the outside as well, but they are 11th in opponent 2PT%.
Big man Josh Oduro provides plenty of stability inside on the defensive end. The Friars have no chance of winning if the Wildcats get consistent open looks from the outside, so their perimeter defense needs to remain solid.
Given the desperation spot for Villanova, I can't back Providence. The Friars' offense should put up a better performance, but it's tough to trust them on the road at the moment.
Villanova Wildcats
The Wildcats need to put together a winning streak, or their at-large bid hopes are toast.
The issue with Villanova's loss against Marquette was it dug itself into too deep of a hole early on. To defeat the Friars, the Wildcats need to get off to a fast start.
The Wildcats have been unlucky thus far, but they have also failed to be consistent throughout most of their games. They currently rank top 60 in offensive and defensive efficiency.
If they get out in transition, they should score enough to keep them in the game late. The Friars turn the ball over at a high frequency, which would diminish the amount of possessions the Wildcats have to face them in the half-court.
It is not an easy matchup for the offense, but forward Eric Dixon could capitalize on his offensive versatility. If he forces the Friars' bigs to drift toward the perimeter, that will set up the offense for easy buckets.
Providence vs. Villanova
Betting Pick & Prediction
Villanova needs a win more than a human needs oxygen. The Wildcats might as well sit out until the Big East tournament if they lose this game.
Dixon is the X-Factor for the Wildcats, as he will open up more space inside against the strong Friars defense. Villanova is also due for positive shooting regression from beyond the arc.
Providence will have better success offensively, but I think we see an inspired effort from Villanova. It is the bottom of the market for the Wildcats, and they can't afford any more slip-ups.
Pick: Villanova -4.5
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