Villanova Preview: Banged Up Providence Hosts Wildcats

From here on out, each game Villanova plays will mark their biggest of the season.

Propelled by a three game winning streak that included a top ten upset of St. John’s, the Wildcats (15-10, 8-6 Big East) find themselves back on the NCAA Tournament bubble for the first time in a month. They still need plenty of work in order to balance out their early (and mid) season struggles, but that path can begin at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15 when they face Providence on the road.

The Friars are banged up and may need to play without two players who average more than nine points per game: starting guard Corey Floyd Jr. (who put up 18 points the first time these teams faced off this season, a 75-73 Wildcats’ win) and key reserve Wesley Cordet Jr., posing an additional level of difficulty for an already struggling team. Providence enters the matchup on a four game losing streak. Right now, ESPN Analytics (which gives a healthy advantage to the home team) gives Villanova a respectable 57 percent chance of securing the road win. The Wildcats opened up as a -3.5 favorite, but that has since slimmed down to -2.5 on ESPN Bet as wagers favor the Friars. The money line sits at -145 in Villanova’s favor, with an over/under of 142.5.

The Wildcats hold the No. 52 spot in both the NET rankings and KenPom ratings; Providence slots in at No. 87 and No. 86, respectively.

Where to Watch; Who to Watch

CBS Sports Network will handle the telecast.

Jayden Pierre leads the Friars in points (12.8) and assists (3.2) per game, with Bensley Joseph hot on his heels averaging 12.4 points and a team high 1.2 steals. Joseph scored 20 points against Villanova back in January, leading the Friars in that category.

Forward Oswin Erhunmwunse is Providence’s chief contributor down low, putting up 5.5 boards and 1.6 blocks per game in an average of just 18 minutes, the team high among qualifying forwards.

On the other end of the court, Eric Dixon leads both Villanova and the nation with an average of 23.5 points scored per game.

Forward Enoch Boakye paces the team in rebounds (6.5) and blocks (0.8) while Jhamir Brickus (5.5) and Wooga Poplar (1.4) own team highs in assists and steals, respectively.

While Providence gave the Wildcats a scare last time around, that game took place amidst one of the worst stretches of basketball Villanova has played all season. Even on the road, injuries and improved play could turn into a far different outcome.