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Game Preview – Penn @ Providence
The Providence Friars look to rebound quickly from a heartbreaking overtime defeat as they host the Penn Quakers on Tuesday in a Big East vs. Ivy League matchup.
Providence (1-1) dropped a 107-101 thriller to Virginia Tech over the weekend, despite stellar performances from Jason Edwards (28 points) and Jaylin Sellers (26). Freshman sharpshooter Stefan Vaaks nearly sealed the win with a potential game-winner that rimmed out at the buzzer.
“It went halfway down,” head coach Kim English said. “Give Virginia Tech credit. They did a lot of good things down the stretch, especially in overtime.”
English, who continues to rebuild the program after a 12-20 campaign, has already shown a willingness to lean on transfers. Edwards (Vanderbilt) and Sellers (UCF) have emerged as reliable offensive options, while Vaaks’ shooting adds a new dimension to the Friars’ spacing.
On the other side, Fran McCaffery’s Penn squad (1-1) enters following an 84-78 loss to American. The Quakers’ defense struggled inside, giving up 42 points in the paint while getting outscored 40-21 in bench production.
Senior forward Ethan Roberts leads Penn with 23.5 points per game, while Michael Zanoni has provided perimeter firepower, going 6-for-10 from beyond the arc in Sunday’s loss.
“He’s been playing great from the minute I got here,” McCaffery said of Zanoni. “He’s a terrific shooter who opens the floor for us.”
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Line Movement and Odds
Providence opened as a 15.5-point favorite over Penn, with the total set around 153.5 points.
| Market | Current Line |
|---|---|
| Spread | Providence -15.5 (-110) / Penn +15.5 (-110) |
| Total (O/U) | 153.5 Points |
| Moneyline | Providence -1200 / Penn +650 |
For college basketball line shopping and movement tracking, visit the NCAAB odds and scores board.
Providence Outlook
The Friars’ offense has looked explosive through two games, averaging 103.5 points while shooting 51% from the field. Their tempo under English has quickened, with Providence ranking among the early-season leaders in possessions per game.
Jason Edwards has provided instant scoring from the backcourt, while Sellers continues to shine as a two-way threat. Freshman Stefan Vaaks has also made an immediate impact, connecting on 39% of his three-point attempts.
Defensively, Providence must tighten rotations after surrendering over 100 points to Virginia Tech. However, their interior rebounding remains strong, with Rafael Castro anchoring the paint. The Friars are 6-1 in their last seven nonconference home games.
Providence Injury Report
No major injuries reported.
Penn Outlook
The Quakers’ offense revolves around perimeter play. Ethan Roberts and Michael Zanoni combine for over 43 points per game, but Penn struggles defensively inside and has yet to find balance on the boards.
McCaffery’s team has been efficient from deep (39% from three), but inconsistency in transition defense has been costly. Penn’s 11 turnovers per game are manageable, but they’ve been out-rebounded by an average of nine boards per contest — an issue that could loom large against Providence’s athletic frontcourt.
If Penn hopes to stay competitive, it will need Roberts and Zanoni to stay hot while forcing Providence into a half-court battle.
Penn Injury Report
No major injuries reported.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The key battle lies in the backcourt. Edwards and Sellers against Roberts and Zanoni provides a contrast of styles — Providence’s dynamic scoring versus Penn’s perimeter discipline.
Providence will aim to push tempo and attack in transition, while Penn needs to slow the pace and lean on its shooting efficiency to hang around. The Quakers’ chances depend on minimizing turnovers and defensive fouls against an aggressive Friars attack.
For more insights on pace and efficiency metrics, see the college basketball betting guide.
Betting Trends
- Providence is 4-1 ATS in its last five nonconference home games.
- The Friars are 6-0 SU in their last six home matchups vs. mid-major opponents.
- Penn is 1-4 ATS in its last five road games.
- The over has hit in four of Penn’s last six contests.
- Providence has scored 90+ points in both games this season.
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Prediction
Providence’s home-court edge, rebounding advantage, and backcourt depth should prove too much for Penn. Expect the Friars to control pace early and close strong in front of their home crowd.
Projected Score: Providence 88, Penn 70
Best Bet: Providence -15.5
Total Lean: Over 153.5
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