Providence has been a very strong contender in college basketball this season, even beating No. 1 Villanova on January 24. But they’re in a horrible stretch right now, losing three of four as they dropped to the middle of the Big East’s standings. They may face even more troubles when they travel to their Big East house of horrors — Marquette.
The Golden Eagles have been very inconsistent of late, though. They’ve recently won three straight, but now find themselves losers of back-to-back games. It’s going to be difficult to see which version of Marquette shows up against the reeling Friars.
Read on as we take a look at this Big East showdown. And If you’re up for more college hoops coverage, then check out our complete preview for Texas A&M vs. Alabama.
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Providence Friars vs. Marquette Golden Eagles Preview
Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee
When: Wednesday, March 10, 6:00 PM ET
Line: Providence Friars at Marquette Golden Eagles – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the Providence Friars (18-6)
The Providence Friars are in danger of sliding out of the Top 25 if their struggles continue. They’ve lost three of their last four, with two of their latest defeats being a 72-60 humbling at home to then-No.3 Villanova on Saturday and the 77-70 stinker at DePaul last Tuesday. Providence now faces another tough outing on the road as they take on the Marquette Golden Eagles this Wednesday night.
The Friars lost 65-64 at home to Marquette on January 5 earlier this year. They came oh so close to winning with the final possession, but their star in Kris Dunn was triple-teamed and had no way to find an open teammate. His shot was then swatted away by Marquette’s Henry Ellenson at the buzzer. Aside from the blocked shot, though, Dunn had a pretty solid night. He did everything his team could ask of him with 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds and five steals.
Expect Dunn to follow-up on that performance with some renewed energy this time around. However, he’ll also need plenty of help from star sophomore Ben Bentil, who finished with 28 points, nine rebounds and two blocks in the first matchup against the Golden Eagles. The problem is: Bentil’s being slowed down by an ankle injury.
Bentil grabbed just two rebounds in his latest outing against Villanova over the weekend. At least his scoring didn’t stop, as he chipped in 20 points that Saturday. While he may not have the hops on a bum ankle to be dominant on the boards, he can still be a dominant scorer. He has scored 25.5 points per game over his last five contests with 15 or more minutes playing time.
The Friars are 8-1 ATS in their last nine on the road.
Betting on the Marquette Golden Eagles (16-9)
The Marquette Golden Eagles have been plagued by inconsistency recently, as they have gone 3-5 in their last eight games. Still, they have every reason to get up for this matchup against Providence, as Marquette squeaked by the Friars, 65-64, earlier in the season. They’ve also been beaten the Friars by an average of 18.8 points over their last five meetings in Milwaukee.
Star freshman Henry Ellenson was solid in the first game against Providence this season. He finished with 13 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks. He’s showing no signs of slowing down too, averaging 18.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game in his last five outings.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Ellenson is the weapon Marquette needs against Providence. The Golden Eagles beat the Friars with solid inside play in the January meeting, shooting 62.5 percent from inside the arc. Interior defense has been a glaring weakness for Providence as well; most recently, the Friars were outscored 32-14 in the paint and lost the rebounding battle 46-29 to Villanova on Saturday.
Nevertheless, the Golden Eagles have all the weapons to beat up on Providence from the painted area. Center Luke Fischer remains a solid option down low with his 12.3 points per game this season. Meanwhile, guard Haanif Cheatham (11 points per game) could also score on fast and explosive drives to the basket.
Marquette has won nine straight home games against Providence, going 8-1 ATS.
Writer’s Prediction
Marquette has Providence’s number when it comes to games in Milwaukee. The Golden Eagles get the upset.
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