Nova Report
The 16-12 Villanova Wildcats take on the 18-10 Providence Friars in a crucial game in Providence at noon eastern time. Providence,14-2 at home, is -2.5/134.5.
This truly is a Tournament game. Barring winning the Big East Tournament, the loser is off to the NIT. So it’s a one and done game. Providence returns home off of a 91-69 drubbing by Marquette while Villanova handled Georgetown 75-47. On February 4, Nova crushed Providence 68-50. The Friar coach said it was the worst game he saw his team play. Revenge and NCAA hopes will motivate The Friars.
The Wildcats will be missing their second leading scorer, TJ Bamba, due to a face fracture. Hopefully, Longino, Burton and Ware who have been sick are back to full strength. They’ll tell their coach they are even if they’re not!
Both clubs pride themselves on defense and neither shoot the 3 well. Providence is sketchy from the foul line while Nova is #1 in the country from the stripe. Providence turns the ball over more than Villanova but they rebound better. It has the makings of an old fashioned Big East brawl where every possession is precious.
Nova Pick: 5 point teaser Villanova +7.5/Under 139.5
Nova Pick Record: 11-17