Providence Friars vs. Connecticut Huskies: Prediction, Preview, Picks & Odds - 2/22/2023

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

Venue: Gampel Pavilion, Storrs, CT

Where to watch: FS1

DraftKings: UConn -7.5

FanDuel: UConn -7.5

BetMGM: UConn -7.5

Caesars: UConn -7.5

No. 20 Providence: 20-7 (12-4 Big East)

No. 18 UConn: 20-7 (9-7 Big East)

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In what should be a very entertaining battle of top-20 teams looking for that extra stamp of respect in the Big East, the Providence Friars will keep on trying for first place when they face the UConn Huskies on Wednesday in Storrs.

 

The No. 20 Friars are coming into this game winners of three of four after defeating the Villanova Wildcats 85-72 on Saturday at home. That capped off a thrilling week that included a double-overtime victory over the Creighton Bluejays in a battle of top teams in the conference.

 

Ed Croswell led the way with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and Bryce Hopkins also heavily contributed with a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds for Providence, which shot 56.3 percent from the floor and went 24 of 32 from the free-throw line. Croswell, a fifth-year senior, crossed the 1,000-point mark in his career.

 

“When we first recruited him I thought he’d have 1,000 fouls before 1,000 points. I think his teammates would agree with that," Friars coach Ed Cooley said of Croswell. "Truthfully, I didn’t see that. I saw more of a defensive-minded guy who was just developing. … It’s been an honor to see as someone who has worked so hard and competes at an elite level. He’s earned it.”

 

Providence has crossed the 20-win mark, which should be a near lock to get them to the NCAA Tournament even if they lose these last couple of games, but we all know that’s not what they’re striving for. The Friars are in a battle with Creighton and Xavier at 12-4 in conference play, looking up at No. 10 Marquette atop the marquee. The Friars are still very much in play for a conference championship to ensure they will be doing something this postseason.

 

UConn also has those aspirations, but they need some help. The No. 18 Huskies, now also at 20 wins this season following a 64-55 win over Seton Hall on Saturday, continues to ensure that a return to the NCAA Tournament, no matter how weird this season has been, is likely on the horizon.

 

Jordan Hawkins finished with 20 points, and Andre Jackson had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds for UConn, which won for the fourth time in five games after losing five of their last seven.

 

“It kind of felt like how we were at the beginning of the season,” Jackson said, referring to the team's 14-0 start. “Just playing off one another, playing in transition, getting stops and pushing the pace. It was a lot of fun. I think we played with a lot of joy."

 

UConn isn’t going to catch the big four of the conference, but they can still ensure a solid seed and play spoiler come conference tournament time. They’re a half-game ahead of Seton Hall following that win over the weekend and Villanova doesn’t seem like it’s going to catch them, so they’re settled in at No. 5. What they can do once they get in there is anyone’s guess based on how great the conference has been all year.

 

Some analytics feel UConn should be favored to this one. Getting revenge is surely on the mind after Providence beat UConn back on Jan. 4 when the Huskies were No. 4 in the country. But Providence has also lost four in a row on the road and have not looked comfortable away from home. That’s where I think UConn has the edge. UConn 82, Providence 77

Providence is 10-3 ATS off an over this season.

Providence is 32-23 ATS against conference opponents the last 3 seasons.

UConn is 22-17 ATS as a home favorite the last 3 seasons.

PG: Alyn Breed

SG: Devin Carter

SF: Noah Locke

PF: Bryce Hopkins

C:  Ed Croswell

PG: Jordan Hawkins

SG: Tristen Newton

SF: Andre Jackson Jr.

PF: Alex Karaban

C: Adama Sanoggo