Big East Showdown: Marquette vs. Providence Spread Pick

Marquette Golden Eagles (11-2 SU, 6-6-1 ATS) vs. Providence Friars (7-6 SU, 6-7 ATS)

When: Tuesday, December 31st, 6:00 PM (ET)

Where: Amica Mutual Pavilion, RI, Providence

TV: FS1

Point Spread: MARQ -5.5/PROV +5.5

Total: 142.5

Money Line: Marquette Golden Eagles -248/+198

Notable Injuries

Golden Eagles

• Sean Jones (Questionable) Knee
• Al Amadou (Out) Redshirt

Friars

• Bryce Hopkins (Questionable) Undisclosed

Recent Form

Marquette Golden Eagles Recent Game/Games

Marquette improved to 11-2 on the season with a 72-70 road win over Xavier on Saturday. The Golden Eagles entered the game as 4-point favorites but didn’t cover the spread. The total points of 142 fell short of the 152.5-point over/under line.

Marquette led 27-22 at halftime but allowed 48 points in the second half while scoring 45 of their own. Despite the defensive struggles after the break, they managed to hold on for the win.

Providence dropped to 7-6 on the season after a 72-70 loss to St. John’s on Friday, December 20th. The Friars were +5.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread.

Providence led 42-29 at halftime but allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring just 28. The total points for the game were 142, just under the O/U line of 142.5.

Analysis

Marquette’s offense put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 49.2% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.2%. They connected on 55% of their two-point attempts (22/40) and 36.8% from beyond the arc (7/19). Their free-throw shooting was less impressive, hitting just 63.6% (7/11).

Kam Jones led the way with 20 points and eight assists despite going 0-for-3 from three-point range. David Joplin added 19 points, shooting 53.3% overall, while Marcus Foster hit 3-of-7 threes, finishing with 16 points. Jerome Hunter was efficient, making 6-of-8 shots, and Dayvion McKnight contributed 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting.

Marquette’s defense gave up 70 points, allowing their opponent to shoot 46% from the field, with 18 of those baskets coming from two-point range at a 54% clip.

From beyond the arc, Marquette held their opponent to 6 made threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting rate. They also sent them to the line 20 times, where they converted 16 free throws, shooting 80%. Marquette allowed six offensive rebounds.

Providence’s offense put up 70 points in their last game, shooting 48.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 53.8%. They connected on 54.5% of their two-point attempts and hit 36.8% from beyond the arc, going 7-for-19 from three-point range.

The Friars also shot 76.5% from the free-throw line, making 13 of 17 attempts. They recorded just six assists and grabbed seven offensive rebounds. Zuby Ejiofor led the way with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Bensley Joseph and Deivon Smith each added 17 points, with Joseph hitting three threes at a 42.9% clip.

Providence’s defense gave up 72 points while allowing the opposing team to shoot 48% from the field. Inside the arc, they allowed 18 two-point baskets on 33 attempts, a 54% shooting rate.

From three-point range, Providence’s opponents hit 7 of 19 attempts, shooting 36%. They also sent them to the free-throw line 17 times, where they made 13 free throws, good for 76%. Providence allowed seven offensive rebounds in the game.

Betting Trends

• Across their five previous road games, Marquette has an ATS mark of 2-3. Their straight-up record in these matchups was 3-2 while averaging 72 points per game.
• Providence has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 70 points per game while allowing 68. The team also performed well, compared to the spread at 3-2.
• The Friars have played well in their last three games as the betting underdog, going 2-1 straight up and 3-0 against the spread.
• Through their previous five contests as the betting favorite, the Golden Eagles have a strong record of 5-0. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 1-3-1.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

Marquette comes into this one favored by -5.5 in a Big East showdown vs Providence. The Golden Eagles rely heavily on Kam Jones, but he has a tendency to get into foul trouble. When Jones isn’t on the court, Marquette struggles. My best of today’s CBB slate is Providence +5.5.