Marquette vs. Providence Prediction and Odds for Tuesday December 20 (Marquette is a Threat in the Big East)

There’s a clear top team in the Big East, but Marquette has established themselves as the top contender in the conference. The Golden Eagles took care of business against Creighton on Friday, 69-58, and are now No. 24 in the country at 9-3 with a few impressive wins on their resume. Going to 2-0 in the Big East on the road in Providence would be one of their best. 

The Friars beat Seton Hall on Friday to get themselves to 9-3, that was their fourth straight win after a shaky start. There’s certainly been some turnover from their Big East regular season title last year, but Jared Bynum is still leading Ed Cooley’s team, so they’re a threat. 

Here are the odds for this Big East showdown up in Rhode Island. 

Marquette vs. Providence Odds, Spread and Total

Marquette vs. Providence Prediction and Pick

Marquette’s losses this season are all against very good teams, No. 1 Purdue by five, No. 15 Mississippi State by two, and No. 17 Wisconsin by three. They’re a very hard team to put away because of their offensive efficiency. They’re scoring 81.1 points a game and shooting nearly 50% from the field, and averaging 73.6 possessions a game, which is a great pace to play at.

They play fast enough to give themselves a chance if their shots aren’t falling, but not so fast that they’ll end up turning the ball over and shooting themselves in the foot. Kam Jones and Olivier-Maxence Prosper are a good backcourt/frontcourt 1-2 punch, both averaging 15 points a night with Tyler Kolek running the show, dishing nearly eight assists and shooting almost 40% from three. 

KenPom isn’t as in love with Marquette as I am and the AP Poll is starting to be, they’re 29th, and 23rd in offensive efficiency. That isn’t elite and they’re held back by their average play on the defensive end, but Providence is 69th in KenPom and I don’t think that their offense will be able to keep up. I like the over in this one with a pretty high total, but I think that Marquette wins this one on the road and that’s my best bet. 

Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change