*One play Tuesday:

 

Villanova at Providence (-4) - 4:30pm Pacific - Game #525-526

Providence played a difficult non-conference schedule and were better than looked in conference opening loss at Boston College last time out.  The Friars actually led by 12 points in the second half and looked to be in control against a very good undefeated Eagles team, but BC went to a zone defense that surprised and stalled the Providence offense.  That in turn ignited the BC offense and the Eagles rallied for the win.  It was Providence's first lost in almost a month.  This team is still playing very good basketball of late.  All-american candidate forward Ryan Gomes is coming off a season high 26 point performance and is as good as ever.  Sophomore center Herbert Hill joined the starting lineup five games back and has given the team more quickness and scoring.  Senior 6-9 forward Tuukka Kotti is developing into a nice player.  Backcourt combo of Dwight Brewington and Donnie McGrath has been very steady.

 

Villanova is coming off a loss at Notre Dame and will be playing their second straight away game.  More troubling for the Wildcats right now is the sprained knee suffered by starting forward Curtis Sumpter that will keep him out of action for a few weeks.  Sumpter leads the team in scoring and by far in rebounding.  He is widely considered their best player.  Villanova was not a very deep team to begin with and they now will basically play a seven man rotation.  The Wildcats have lost six straight Big East road games dating back to last season.

 

Providence has won 5 straight vs Villanova at the Dunkin Donuts Center.  Like most teams, Nova will not have an answer for Friar star Gomes.  Meanwhile, Villanova is at a distinct disadvantage playing their second straight game on the road and without their best player due to injury.  Providence should be primed for this being their Big East home opener.  Give the small number.

 

Official Play:  Providence -4  1 UNIT