Providence vs. Marquette College Basketball Picks: Fresh Golden Eagles Will Test Friars

Mike Spector

Last Updated: January 4, 2022 3:47 AM EST • 2 min 25 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

The Providence Friars look to stay undefeated in conference play, while the Marquette Golden Eagles search for their first Big East win. Let's analyze this matchup in our Providence-Marquette picks.

Providence is 13-1 this season and riding an eight-game winning streak entering this matchup. The Friars are the only 3-0 team in conference play thus far, and their three road wins are tied for the most among Power 5 schools. Providence has won three of their last four games against Marquette.

Meanwhile, Marquette is 8-6 on the season, and five of the Golden Eagles' losses have come over the team's last six games. They're the only Big East team with three conference losses and three home-court defeats. Marquette has won 13 of its last 17 home games against Providence.

Here are my Providence-Marquette picks and predictions for Tuesday’s college basketball matchup (odds via DraftKings, and pick confidence is based on a one-to-five star scale).

Providence vs. Marquette Game Info

Date/Time: Tuesday, January 4, 9 p.m. ETTV: FS1Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI

Providence vs. Marquette Odds Analysis

Providence is a 2-point road favorite over Marquette. The Friars have covered in seven of their last eight games and are 3-0 ATS on the road. Meanwhile, Marquette has covered in just two of its eight home games.

The 137.5-point total is the lowest compared to Providence's last three games, and the lowest of Marquette’s last eight. The Under has cashed in six straight Providence games, and it's 1-3-1 over Marquette's last five.

Providence vs. Marquette Picks

Marquette +2 (-110) ????Over 137.5 (-110) ???

Providence vs. Marquette Predictions

Marquette +2 (-110)

Providence is sure to be the more heavily backed side due to its eight-game winning streak versus Marquette's four-game losing streak. While the Golden Eagles have been struggling lately, their schedule has also been far more challenging. Marquette's three non-conference losses have come against St. Bonaventure, Wisconsin, and UCLA, and all of those teams have spent time in the top 25 this year. However, the experience of playing top-quality opponents will pay off at some point.

Not to undersell Providence's 3-0 Big East start, but the Friars have benefitted from playing undermanned UConn and Seton Hall teams. UConn was without big man Adama Sanogo while losing to Providence, and Seton Hall was missing center Tyrese Samuel. Both of those absences were crushing against Providence, as it was then more difficult to contain guard Nate Watson, who's arguably the conference's best forward.

Marquette is coming off a tough double-overtime loss to Creighton, but playing their third consecutive home game is a significant advantage. Meanwhile, Providence is playing for the third time on the road over its last four games, and that travel will begin to wear on the team. Look for a Golden Eagles squad at full strength to play the Friars tough tonight.

Over 137.5 (-110)

Though the Under has cashed in Providence's last six games, there are many reasons to believe this will be a higher-scoring contest.

The Golden Eagles struggle to defend big men, and Watson is one of the best. Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner scored 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting against Marquette, and Wisconsin's Steven Crowl produced his second-highest point total over the forward's last 10 games when he faced the Golden Eagles. Watson averages a team-leading 13.9 points per game, and he should explode against Marquette's soft interior.

On the flip side, Providence doesn't force many turnovers, as the Friars' 17% turnover rate ranks 280th in the country. So look for Marquette to settle in offensively and improve upon the 66.5 points per game the school is averaging over its four-game losing streak.

Additionally, head coach Shaka Smart will dial up the pressure and attack Providence's guards while trying to create transition offense.

SEE ALSO: All picks and odds. Be sure to check out SportsbookReview.com’s community forums and betting tools.

Providence-Marquette picks made 1/3/2022 at 8:13 p.m. ET

Written By:
Mike Spector

Mike started in the sports writing industry in July 2019, and gained a lot of followers in his first year after finishing with the No. 2 overall record in an annual NFL betting competition, which made picks against the spread, and from an Over/Under and moneyline perspective. Mike is an avid fan of the NFL, MLB, tennis, and all college sports. In his opinion, March Madness is the best sporting event there is, and he's especially euphoric starting with conference tournament time in college basketball. Mike's a big advocate of "fading the public" and making plays that are contrarian, constantly citing that "there are reasons why they have those big shiny buildings in Las Vegas." When making wagers, Mike always scours the best odds at all of the major sports betting sites, where he mostly sifts through DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, and bet365. He's tried several others and is of the firm belief that bettors should not just stick to one sportsbook, as there is always likely better value to be had with the same wager. In addition, while Mike received his undergraduate degree from Villanova University, he has no issue betting against the Wildcats when it comes to college basketball wagering, and suggests other bettors should always put their “head” before their “hearts.”