Providence - 5 (-110)
Nothing screams basketball season is here like a Sunday noon game in the Bahamas. The Friars are laying 5 to the Bulldogs after both being eliminated from the Battle 4 Atlantas Friday and I like Providence's strong defense to cover the number.
Providence Defense:
Block % - 17.5% (ranked 16th)
OPP Assists/Game - 8.5 (ranked 19th)
OPP 3PT% - 25.9% (ranked 44th)
OPP 2PT% - 38.6 (ranked 9th)
OPP Effective FG % - 38.6 (ranked 9th)
*Georgia Offense is coming in with an Effective FG % of 44.9% (ranked 274th)*
The Friars D is also doing a solid job of forcing turnovers
Defense TO % - 20.5 (ranked 82nd)
Defense Steal % - 10.6 (ranked 116th)
Defense Non-steal TO % - 9.9 (ranked 95th)
*Georgia Offense is coming in with a Non-steal TO % of 9.1% (ranked 229nd)*
Another thing to consider is Providence's edge on the offensive boards
Providence OFF Reb % - 35.4% (ranked 64th)
Georgia OPP OFF Reb % - 33.1% (ranked 276th)
Georgia OFF Reb % - 24.7% (ranked 286th)
*Georgia GIVING UP 2nd chance baskets without GETTING any*
While Providence has their own issues with turnovers and at the Charity stripe I think once Bryce Hopkins (1st team All Big East last year) gets going offensively Kim English is going to have a dangerous team on his hands.
Go Friars!
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