The Providence Friars (21-12) take on the No. 10 Marquette Golden Eagles'(24-8) Friday. Tip-off from Madison Square Garden is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s'lines around the Providence vs. Marquette odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Friars advanced to the semifinal round of the Big East Tournament by upsetting No. 8 Creighton 78-73 Thursday night. G Devin Carter recorded a double-double with 22 points, including 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, and 11 rebounds. The junior leads the conference in points per game (19.5) and was recently named Big East Player of the Year.
The Golden Eagles needed overtime to defeat Villanova 78-73 at MSG Thursday, covering as 4-point favorites. G Kam Jones paced Marquette with 18 points. G Tyler Kolek, who leads the nation in assists averaging 7.6 per game, missed Marquette’s tournament opener, as he continues to recover from an oblique injury.
This is the 3rd meeting between these schools this season. Providence was victorious 72-57 at home Dec. 19, cashing outright as a 4-point underdog. The Golden Eagles exacted revenge with a cover as 11.5-point favorites in a 91-69 win at home Feb. 28, although this was the game where Kolek sustained his injury.