NCAAB: #2 UConn vs Providence Odds, and Picks (Mar 9)

• UConn picked up a huge win at Marquette, defeating them by a score of 74-67.
• Providence bounced back against Georgetown, winning 71-58, and rising to 19-11.
• These two teams last matched up on January 31, in a game that UConn won 74-65.

Selection Sunday is just two weeks away! Let’s look at this matchup between the UConn Huskies and the Providence Friars. Providence is right on the NCAA Tournament bubble, desperately needing to win here.

How to Watch

• FOX

Preview

UConn improved to 17-1 over their last 18 games, dominating most of their competition along the way. The loss came by 19 points in an uncharacteristically poor shooting performance for the Huskies against Creighton. On the other hand, they dominated Marquette, Villanova, and Seton Hall in key games over the past two weeks. They’ll be aiming to add Providence to that list and remain on track to receive a 1-seed.

Providence remains precariously placed on the cusp of the NCAA Tournament bubble. They currently project as the first team to miss the field of 68, raising the stakes for this game to the highest level. If the Friars net a win against #2 UConn, it could be enough to launch them onto the right side of the bubble, if not in the field safely. On the other hand, a loss would limit their chances to improve their bubble standing.

Prediction

When these teams last met five weeks ago, Providence managed to stay within 10 points of UConn on the road. That indicates they should play an even closer game at home, and possibly even win it. That being said, the Huskies have also been red-hot lately. I see Providence covering the spread, but not winning it.

NCAAB Picks:

• UConn 80, Providence 72 (PROV +9.5)