Betsided

Providence vs. Georgetown Prediction and Odds (Expect a Defensive Battle in D.C.)

By Ben Heisler

Providence Friars guard Al Durham is coming off an excellent all-around road win against St. John's and takes on the Georgetown Hoyas in D.C. today.
Providence Friars guard Al Durham is coming off an excellent all-around road win against St. John's and takes on the Georgetown Hoyas in D.C. today. / Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
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The best and worst of the Big East match up this afternoon in Washington, D.C. as the last-place Georgetown Hoyas welcome the No. 15 Providence Friars to Capital One Arena this afternoon for a noon ET tip-off.

Providence has lost just one conference game all season and enters today's matinee 19-2 overall, and 9-1 in conference. Meanwhile, the Hoyas' last win came all the way back in mid-December, defeating Howard by 12 at home.

Can the Hoyas catch the Friars off-guard and start to turn their season around? Is there a play on the over/under instead?

Here are the latest odds via WynnBET Sportsbook:

Providence vs. Georgetown Odds, Spread, and Total

Spread:

  • Providence -6.5 (-110)
  • Georgetown +6.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Providence -290
  • Georgetown +230

Total:

  • 144.5 (OVER -110 | UNDER -110)

Providence vs. Georgetown Prediction and Pick

Georgetown has not done bettors many favors this season. They're 8-11-0 vs. the spread, and have gone 3-7-0 ATS over their last 10.

However, they have been a better team at home this season, even if the final score hasn't reflected this. Via TeamRankings, the Hoyas are power rated as the No. 2 home team in the Big East.

Rather than take a side in a game where I expect an improved performance out of Georgetown, I'll lean UNDER where there's too many trends that lead me in the direction of a slower-paced ballgame. Providence ranks 308th in the country in average possession length, while ranking 220th from downtown. Georgetown's defense hasn't been good either, but their length and excellent rebounding should help control the glass and get them some extra possessions.

The other reason that scares me off Georgetown and onto the total instead, Providence is an excellent free-throw shooting team, sitting atop the Big East in free throw attempts while shooting 75.5%.

According to Pete Fiutak of CFN, Georgetown's magic number is 78. They're 6-0 when they score that many, and 0-14 when they don't. Providence has given up 78-plus points only twice all year.

If Georgetown gets hot from three, expect Providence to slow it down, drag out possessions, and try to take the Hoyas off their game at home. Patrick Ewing's squad gave up 90 points in their last home game vs. St. John's, and it will be a fresh message in their heads to not let it happen again.

LEAN: UNDER 144.5 (-110)

Follow all of Ben Heisler's picks and plays in real-time HERE.

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