The Marquette Golden Eagles are set to host the Providence Friars on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at Fiserv Forum. Here’s a breakdown of the game and what to expect from a betting perspective.
Head-to-Head History
Marquette dominated Providence in their first meeting of the season, securing a decisive 78-50 victory on December 31, 2024. This win extended Marquette’s streak to three straight victories over Providence, including against the spread.
Providence’s Struggles
The Friars enter this matchup off a tough 93-72 loss to Georgetown, dropping their record to 12-15. Providence has struggled, losing five of their last six games. Jayden Pierre and Bensley Joseph have been key contributors, with Pierre averaging 12.9 PPG and Joseph 13.1 PPG. Despite strong individual performances, Providence’s defense has been lacking, especially in recent games, allowing over 80 points in four of their last five contests.
Marquette’s Bounce-Back Attempt
Marquette is looking to recover from an 81-66 loss to Villanova, which left them at 20-7 for the season. The Golden Eagles have been led by Kam Jones (18.6 PPG, 5.9 APG), who’s also a strong presence on both ends of the court. Marquette’s offense remains potent, averaging 76.9 PPG, and they’ll aim to exploit Providence’s defensive weaknesses.
Why Marquette Will Win
Marquette’s defense and fast-paced play should pose significant challenges for the Friars. The Golden Eagles have been dominant at home, winning their last 11 night games at Fiserv Forum against unranked teams. On the other hand, Providence has struggled against ranked opponents, losing seven of their last eight matchups.
Total Points Trends
Marquette’s games tend to stay under, with the last seven against conference teams totaling 147 points or fewer. Providence’s recent games, however, have been high-scoring, with four of their last five conference matchups going over 149 points.
Prediction
Marquette is the stronger team here. Despite some inconsistencies, they have the upper hand with their dynamic offense and solid defense. Providence’s struggles, particularly on defense, will likely continue against a team as talented as Marquette. Expect the Golden Eagles to cover the spread and extend their dominance over the Friars.