Providence Friars vs Villanova Wildcats: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, PA

When: Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30 PM EST

How (TV): FS1

Providence Friars (Away)

Head Coach: Ed Cooley {Overall: 14-10 .583 W-L% | Conference: 4-7, 8th in Big East}

The Friars were on a commendable run to begin the season. During inter-conference competition, Providence accumulated an impressive 10-3 record. The Friars have not had the same consistency against the Big East, having been on three separate losing streaks.

The Friars have only played two ranked teams in the country so far this season – Marquette and Michigan – and they have lost to both of them. Coming off of a blowout win over St. John’s (NY) on the road, they will hope to carry that momentum against the Wildcats.

Villanova is one of the best defensive teams in the country. Against the ACC the Wildcats are first in two-point field goal percentage allowed and third in three-point field goal percentage allowed. It’s not secret that the offence runs through Alpha Diallo, so if the Friars can’t open him up to opportunities it will be a long night.

Villanova Wildcats (Home)

Head Coach: Jay Wright {Overall: 19-5 .792 W-L% | Conference: 10-1, 1st in Big East}

Once again the Villanova Wildcats are one of the best teams in the country. While the Wildcats lack the star power of previous seasons, Jay Wright has built a team built on fantastic ball movement and three-point shooting that has taken down some impressive competition.

After an inconsistent start to the season – including losses to Furman and UPenn – the Wildcats responded with an eleven game winning streak over teams in the Big East, including a big win over St. John’s (NY).

The Wildcats are coming off of a one-point loss to Marquette last weekend. Overall the Wildcats played well against Marquette. Despite shooting only 40% from the field they lost by a single point, despite a massive night from opposing guard Markus Howard.

Providence Friars Roster Notes

F Emmitt Holt – 20 Jan 2019 – (Abdominal) is out for the season.

Villanova Wildcats Roster Notes

F Cole Swider – 19 Jan 2019 – (Hand) is out indefinitely

Head-to-Head: Alpha Diallo (PRO) vs Phil Booth (VIL)

Alpha Diallo

Guard | 6-7, 213lb (201cm, 96kg) | New York, NY | Brewster Academy (NH) | Junior

17.2 PPG | 3.2 APG | 8.3 RPG | 1.8 SPG | 0.6 BPG | 2.9 TOV | .424 FG% | .362 3P%

Phil Booth

Guard | 6-3, 194lb (190cm, 87kg) | Baltimore, MD | Mount Saint Joseph HS | Senior

18.3 PPG | 3.9 APG | 3.7 RPG | 0.8 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 1.9 TOV | .446 FG% | .389 3P%

Two scoring guards go head-to-head in this Big East battle. Alpha Diallo is looking to rebound after shooting 3-12 in a win against St. John’s. On the other side Phil Booth is looking better than expected after redshirting his junior year.

Alpha Diallo is a skilled combo guard out of New York with the size of a wing but the handle of a point. While his skill-level and decision making can be questionable, he maintains impressive ability in the isolation game. He has the creativity of a classic New York point guard, built to give smaller opponents fits.

Phil Booth went down with an injury last season and is now a fifth-year senior with the Wildcats. Initially projected to be an undersized scoring point, Booth has improved his playmaking skills to the benefit of the Wildcats. Still an efficient scorer from range and inside, Booth is a surprise star for the Wildcats.

Providence Friars at Villanova Wildcats Predictions and Odds

The odds makers have the Villanova Wildcats favoured over the Providence Friars by 10.5, with an over/under of 110.