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UConn vs. Providence prediction and odds for Wednesday, January 4 (Huskies will bounce back)

By Iain MacMillan

Dec 20, 2022; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Joey Calcaterra (3) reacts after his three point basket against the Georgetown Hoyas in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2022; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Joey Calcaterra (3) reacts after his three point basket against the Georgetown Hoyas in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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The No. 4 UConn Huskies will try to bounce back after their first loss of the season tonight when they take on the Providence Friars.

The Huskies had their perfect record come to an end on New Years Eve when they lost by a final score of 83-73 to Xavier.

Meanwhile, Providence will put its 4-0 Big East record on the line tonight when it tries to lock up its seventh straight win this season.

So, who will come away with the victory tonight?

Let’s dive into what the oddsmakers think and then I’ll give you my UConn vs. providence prediction.

UConn vs. Providence odds, spread, and total

UConn vs. Providence prediction and pick

Teams are going to have bad games from time to time, and that’s exactly what UConn had on December 31st against Xavier. Let’s not put too much stock into that specific performance, and instead rely on their season long numbers.

UConn is simply one of the best shooting teams in the country ranking 18th in effective field goal percentage at 55.7%.

The Huskies also do a great job at forcing turnovers, ranking 39th in opponent turnovers per possession.

But, with all of that in mind, the real advantage they have is in how the two teams defense the other team’s strength.

Providence doesn’t mess around with three point shots very often. The Friars rank 42nd in college basketball in two point shot rate, with 69.6% of their shots coming from two-point range. Now, they face a UConn team that ranks 20th in opponent two point field goal percentage, keeping teams from shooting only 44% from two-point range.

Meanwhile, the Huskies loves to shoot from beyond the arc, with 44.6% of their shots coming from three point land. That should work in their advantage, as Providence has struggled to stop the three ball all year, ranking 165th in opponent three point field goal percentage, allowing teams to shoot 33% from beyond the arc.

I’ll back UConn to win and cover tonight.

You can track Iain’s bets on Betstamp here.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.