The Providence Friars (1-0) will be at home in Dunkin Donuts Center when they go head-to-head with the No. 15 Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-0). Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 13, 2017.
Minnesota Golden Gophers vs. Providence Friars Free Preview
The Golden Gophers were victorious over the USC Upstate Spartans in their last outing, 92-77. Jordan Murphy was the top scorer from either team with 35 points on 13-for-22 shooting. Minnesota played a flawless game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.5 and a free throw rate of 0.271. For those same stats, USC Upstate was 24.4 and 0.162, respectively.
In the Friars last matchup, they dismantled the Houston Baptist Huskies, 84-55. Providence was lifted by Kyron Cartwright, who finished with 10 points and 10 assists. Providence dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.565 and a turnover percentage of 14.3. For those same stats, Houston Baptist was 0.349 and 20.4, respectively.
The offense of Providence will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Minnesota. Dating back to the 2016-17 season, the Friars rank 179th in offensive efficiency, while the Golden Gophers are 40th in defensive efficiency. The Golden Gophers figure to have the edge on that side of the ball.
Since last season, the Golden Gophers have had records of 25-9 straight up (SU) and 19-13 against the spread (ATS). Minnesota games have finished over the projected point total 59.4 percent of the time since last season.
Meanwhile, the Friars, are 21-12 SU and 20-13 ATS since last season. Vegas has been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Providence games over that same stretch with 16 unders compared to 15 overs.
Minnesota Golden Gophers at Providence Friars ATS Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Minnesota, ATS Winner – Minnesota, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- he Friars rank 217th in three pointers attempted per game (19.5) while the Golden Gophers rank 265th (18.2).
- Minnesota ranks 16th in rebounds per game (39.9) while Providence ranks 248th (33.6).
- The Golden Gophers rank first in blocks per game (6.7) while the Friars rank 174th (3.0).
- Providence ranks 105th in assists per game (14.4) while Minnesota ranks 172nd in assists allowed per game (13.5).
