Friars and Golden Eagles Set for Thrilling Big East Semifinal Showdown
The #7 Providence Friars and #3 Marquette Golden Eagles both scored thrilling wins in the Big East Tournament, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal showdown on Friday at
Game outlook
The #7 Providence Friars and #3 Marquette Golden Eagles both scored thrilling wins in the Big East Tournament, setting up a highly anticipated semifinal showdown on Friday at 8:00 p.m. EDT. Despite the hosting team winning both regular season meetings by double-digits, the playing field is now level. Marquette is the initial betting favorite at -2.5 and the line has remained steady. It promises to be a high-stakes battle at Madison Square Garden as these teams compete for a shot at Big East immortality.
Betting Odds
Moneyline: Friars -4,948 | Golden Eagles -5,063
Spread: Friars +2.5 (-110) | Golden Eagles -2.5 (-110)
Total: Over/Under 139 (-110)
Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Marquette will win straight-up is 98%.
Providence Friars
Providence's recent victory over Creighton highlighted their strong defensive performance, holding the Bluejays to 37.9% shooting and committing only five turnovers on offense. This win solidifies their position for a spot in the NCAA Tournament, as they have improved in various rankings such as KenPom's and the Net rankings. The Friars' strength lies in their defense, as they limited opponents to 68.9 points per game and held them to 41.7% shooting overall. Moving forward, their offense, led by Devin Carter, has been consistent throughout the season. They have shown improvement in the Big East Tournament, as they have been hitting their stride offensively. Overall, Providence ranks 200th in offense, 77th in defense, and has a 21-12 (20-13 ATS) record this season. Their rebounding and turnover statistics also reflect solid performance on both ends of the court. Next, we will see how they fare in the conference championship game.