Providence vs. Kansas Sweet 16 Prediction

Providence Friars (27-5 SU, 19-13-0 ATS) vs. Kansas Jayhawks (30-6 SU, 18-18-0 ATS)
When: Friday March 25 2022, 7:29 PM PM (ET)
Where: United Center

Point Spread: Providence +8/Kansas -8
Total: 141
Money Line: Providence +280/Kansas -350
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Key Injuries

Providence
Providence has no reported injuries at this time.

Kansas
Bob Pettiford: Abdominal (OUT)
Kyle Cuffe Jr: Redshirt (OUT)

Recent Form

The Providence Friars come into this matchup with an overall record of 27-5. On the season, the Friars have performed well in their 13 non-conference games, posting a record of 12-1. In addition to their strong non-conference record, Providence has played well on neutral courts. Through 6 games, the Friars are 4-2 away from home. Heading into this matchup, the Friars are looking to stay hot, as they try to add on to their current 2 game win streak.

The Kansas Jayhawks get set to host the Friars with an overall record of 30-6. On the season, the Jayhawks have performed well in their 15 non-conference games, posting a record of 13-2. In addition to their strong non-conference record, Kansas has a good record at neutral sites. Through 9 games, the Jayhawks are 8-1. Heading into this matchup, the Jayhawks are looking to pick up their 8th straight win.

For the season, the Providence Friars are averaging 71.8 points per game, good for a rank of 124th in the NCAA. Defensively, Providence allows an average of 66.2 points per contest (75th). On the other side, the Kansas Jayhawks are the 14th ranked scoring offense, averaging 78.7 points per game while giving up 67.9.

Efficiency Outlook

Kansas enters this matchup vs Providence, having played 25 games as the more efficient offense and defensive team. In these contests, they have posted a record of 22-3. Through 36 games, the Jayhawks are averaging 77.0 points per 70.0 possessions (NCAA Average), compared to 73.0 for the Jayhawks. In these situations, Kansas has an average scoring margin of 14.0 points. On the other side, the Friars are 2-2 as the inferior team on both ends of the court. In these 4 instances, they hold an average scoring margin of 2.0.

On the season, the Friars have been a balanced scoring unit, with 31.2% of their scoring coming from made three-pointers. Even though Kansas is only near the NCAA average in percentage of points from outside, it is still more than the Jayhawks. So far, just 27.5% of their points are coming from three-point shots.

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Friars are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
• Friars are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog.
• Jayhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up win.
• Jayhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

It’s the end of the road for Providence. They simply don’t shoot the ball well enough to keep up with the Jayhawks. I like KU to win by double digits! Bet your Providence/Kansas pick and ALL your NCAA Tournament wagers for free this week by taking advantage of a 100% REAL CASH bonus on your first deposit of $100 to $300 at MyBookie Sportsbook! (Must use bonus code PREDICT100).