Marquette vs. Providence Prediction & Betting Preview (Wednesday, Jan. 18)

Marquette Golden Eagles head coach Shaka Smart talks with guard Tyler Kolek (11) during the game against the Creighton Bluejays at Fiserv Forum.
Image Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

We have some Big East basketball on tap, as No. 20 Marquette will host No. 22 Providence on Wednesday, Jan. 18. The game is scheduled for 9 pm ET while airing on CBSSN. Marquette enters this game as 7-point favorites with the total set at 151.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Marquette vs. Providence prediction and betting preview below.

Marquette vs. Providence Odds

  • Spread: Marquette -7
  • Total: 151.5

Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. New to FanDuel? Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review to find out how to bet $5 to get $150 in free bets. This is FanDuel’s best offer of the year, and it expires on Jan. 31 — so act now! 

Game Info

  • Date: Wednesday, Jan. 18
  • Time: 9 pm ET
  • Location: Fiserv Forum — Milwaukee, WI
  • TV: CBSSN

Marquette vs. Providence Betting Preview

No. 20 Marquette is fresh off a tough 80-76 loss at No. 8 Xavier on Sunday. However, the Golden Eagles had won five in a row prior to that, including a key 82-76 victory over No. 15 UConn. According to KenPom.com, Marquette ranks third in the nation in adjusted offensive efficiency. In fact, both of these teams are dangerous with the ball, as Providence ranks 22nd in adjusted offensive efficiency. Taking that into consideration, it’s no surprise that these two teams posted a combined 201 total points in their first meeting on Dec. 20. That includes two overtimes, as the score was 78-78 at the end of regulation. Providence ended up winning at home 103-98.

No. 22 Providence is another squad that saw its winning streak snapped over the weekend. The Friars had a nine-game winning streak, but ultimately lost 73-67 at Creighton on Saturday. As mentioned earlier, both Providence and Marquette are strong offensive teams. However, the Friars may have an advantage on the glass. Providence ranks seventh in offensive rebound percentage and 11th in free throw rate. Marquette ranks 294th in opponent rebound percentage and 133rd in opponent free throw rate. If the Friars want to pull out a road win, they’ll need to play efficient on both ends of the court and dominate the boards.

Marquette vs. Providence Prediction

So will that happen? Does Providence stand a chance in this game? Providence guard Jared Bynum is questionable for this game, but the Friars have managed without him in the last three contests. That — and the fact that this game is played in Milwaukee — has ballooned the spread to Marquette -7. That feels like too many points for a scrappy Providence team that can compete on the road. Go ahead and take the Friars +7 against the spread.

Score Prediction: Marquette 78-74

The Pick: Providence +7 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook