The Connecticut Huskies (27-3) travel to face off against the Providence Friars (19-11) on Saturday, March 9th. This game will be played at Amica Mutual Pavilion in Providence and televised on FOX. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 8:00 ET.
Connecticut Huskies vs Providence Friars
The Connecticut Huskies Are Coming Off A Win
Connecticut comes into this game with a record of 27-3, including a 17-2 mark in Big East play. They have won three straight games and are 9-3 on the road this season. Over their last 10 road games, the Huskies are 8-2.
On the year, Connecticut has been favored in 29 of their 30 games, going 27-2 in those contests. They come into this game as 9.5-point favorites. Their average scoring margin on the road this year is +6.6 points per game, compared to +24.4 points per game at home.
Connecticut has an overall ATS record of 18-11-1 this season, and they are 7-4-1 vs. the spread on the road. As the favorite, the Huskies have gone 18-10-1 vs. the spread this year and they are a perfect 3-0 in their last three games as the favorite.
So far this season, the over/under record for Connecticut games is 16-14. Today’s over/under line of 140.5 is lower than the average over/under line of 145 in their games. Over their last three games, the average scoring total is 141 points.
The Providence Friars Are Coming Off A Win
Providence enters this game with an overall record of 19-11 and a Big East record of 10-9. At home, the Friars have been excellent, going 14-4, compared to just 5-7 on the road.
As an underdog this season, Providence is 5-7, and they have been the underdog in 12 of their 30 games. Their average scoring margin at home is +8.4 points per game, compared to -1.5 points per game on the road.
As the underdog, Providence has been a solid bet this season, going 9-3 vs. the spread. Their overall ATS mark is 18-12, but they are just 4-6 vs. the spread in their last 10 home games.
Providence’s average over/under line for the season is 141.9, and their over/under record is 13-17. So far, 16 of their games have finished with more points than today’s line of 140.5. In their last three games, the over/under record is 1-2, and the average scoring total in those games is 139 points.
Connecticut Offense Breakdown
Against Marquette, the Connecticut had a tough time putting up points compared to their season average of 81.4 points per game. They scored 74 points and posted a field goal percentage of 43.5% in the game. In terms of offense, the Huskies have a season-long field goal percentage of 49%, putting them 34th in the NCAA. Regarding three-pointers, they are ranked 87th in percentage and 58th in three-pointers made.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tristen Newton (G) | 15.1 | 7.1 | 5.9 |
| Cam Spencer (G) | 14.9 | 4.6 | 3.3 |
| Alex Karaban (F) | 14.2 | 5.1 | 1.5 |
Providence Offense Breakdown
The Friars’ offense finished with 71 points in their previous game, mirroring their current average of 73.2 points per contest. The Providence offense has been looking to get up shots from outside so far this season, averaging 25.1 three-point attempts per contest. Overall, they have connected on 33% of their looks from outside this season.
| Name | PPG | REB | AST |
|---|---|---|---|
| Devin Carter (G) | 19.3 | 8.4 | 3.6 |
| Josh Oduro (F) | 16.2 | 7.1 | 1.9 |
| Davonte Gaines (G) | 8.9 | 4.2 | 1.2 |
Connecticut Team Defense
Currently, the Huskies’ defense holds the 16th rank in the nation, allowing 64.1 points per game. On average, opposing teams are hitting 5.8 threes per game vs. Providence. This has come on three-point shooting percentage of 30.9%.
Providence Team Defense
So far, the Friars’ defense is ranked 88th in the country at 68.8 points per contest. Providence will look once again to perform well on defense, holding Georgetown to just 35% shooting in their most recent game.
Huskies vs Friars Trends
- Although Connecticut has a straight up record of 8-2 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 6-3-1. The team averaged 77 points per game in these games.
- In their last five home games, Providence has averaged 68 points per game while allowing 73. The team’s record in this stretch was 2-3 while going 3-2.
- Looking back on the team’s last three games as the underdog, the Friars have a straight up record of 1-2. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-1.
- As the betting favorite, the Huskies have an ATS record of 4-1 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 4-1.
Huskies vs Friars Prediction
As the underdogs with a spread of +9.5, we recommend going with the Friars on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 140.5 and given that our model is projecting 143 points between the teams, we like the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:March 9, 2024 Connecticut Huskies, Providence Friars