Providence Friars vs Kansas Jayhawks

Tonight, in a Midwest regional semifinal the Kansas Jayhawks will play the Providence Friars who have won 16 games by single digits, including 11 by five or fewer points. Last night in sweet 16 action we saw three offensive teams (Michigan, Gonzaga, and Arizona) all be slowed and lose to good defensive teams, and I expect that trend to continue tonight. The Friars will slow this game down, they play solid defense, and I expect at least a two-possession game. Providence is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win and 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Take Providence +7.5

Best Bet. Take Providence +7.5

Providence has been doubted all season long but they are a group that grinds and battles. I like them to keep this one close and cover 7.5 points against Kansas. The Jayhawks are more talented but haven't shown as much consistency this year.

Providence +7.5

Friars +7.5

Tonight will be a true test for the Friars not sure their athletic enough to handle Kansas big men and the outside shooting of The Jayhawks!

TAKE KANSAS-7.5

***SUPER DOG OF THE DAY*** Kansas is over rated...have been all year. I like Providence to win this game out right.

#4 Providence battles #1 Kansas in this Sweet 16 matchup. The Friars won both games in this tourney with solid defense and high scoring. In their last game against Richmond, they scored 39 in the first, 40 in the second, and shot 51% from the field. Kansas is 3rd in the AP rankings and 6-4 against top 25 teams. They score around 78 points and allow 67. They are in the top 30 on offense and defense efficiency. Kansas is 21st on offense and Providence is 87th on defense. The total has gone OVER in 15 of Kansas' last 19 games played on a Friday. Take the Over

Don’t overthink this one. Providence is overrated and has had an easy path up to this point. KU is one of the strongest teams left ranking 5th in KenPom compared to Providence’s mediocre 32nd ranking. The Friars defense has been decent, but their shooting has been poor even against some bad defenses. Meanwhile KU has looked fine on offense moving the ball around well. The key for the Friars would be to get the Jayhawks in foul trouble, but I do not see that happening. Take KU to win this one.

+7.5 points feels like too many here based on how KU has played this year. The Jayhawks will lead throughout, but the Friars will keep it under double-digits for most of the game. I see KU escaping here but barely.