Providence Friars vs Fairleigh Dickinson Knights Picks and Predictions December 2nd 2025

Game Preview: Fairleigh Dickinson Knights @ Providence Friars

Providence returns to Amica Mutual Pavilion seeking stability as the Providence Friars host the Fairleigh Dickinson Knights on Tuesday night. The Friars enter at 4-4 after a difficult showing in the Rady Children’s Invitational, where they fell to Wisconsin and Florida while allowing 100-plus points for the second time this season. Providence opened as a heavy favorite with a projected double-digit spread and a rising total driven by early over money. Fairleigh Dickinson continues its demanding nonconference slate and arrives with a 1-6 record, still searching for its first Division I win of the season. The matchup functions as the first of three home games before Providence begins Big East play, a stretch that should define its nonconference résumé. For fans monitoring the broader landscape, updated performance metrics can be followed across the full NCAAB team board.

Odds and Key Information

Providence opened as a sizeable favorite with early projections placing the line near -18, though sharper action initially trimmed the number before public support brought it back toward its original position. The total pushed upward from the mid-150s following pace expectations and Fairleigh Dickinson’s defensive profile. Market splits show respected bettors leaning toward Providence ATS, citing efficiency advantages and the Friars’ expected defensive bounce after improvements noted in their Florida matchup.

Coach Kim English noted that his team’s compete level rose meaningfully against the Gators, especially in field-goal containment. Meanwhile, Fairleigh Dickinson’s staff emphasized that second-half three-point surges must be paired with stronger ball control and rebounding to stay competitive against high-major opponents.

Providence Outlook

Providence seeks to reestablish defensive consistency after conceding 104 and 90 points in San Diego. English made noticeable rotational adjustments in the tournament, bringing leading scorer Jason Edwards and center Oswin Erhunmwunse off the bench. The changes sparked improved tempo control and energy levels, highlighted by freshman Peteris Pinnis contributing six rebounds and quality rim protection in over 15 minutes. Ryan Mela’s 17 points and eight boards against Florida continued his upward trajectory, offering versatility on both ends.

The Friars still rely heavily on Edwards’ 18.6 points per game but will look to balance scoring by integrating additional frontcourt production and tightening ball pressure. Providence’s physicality advantage should be pronounced in this matchup, where interior depth, rebounding strength, and shot creation all favor the home team. Any key player statuses or availability questions remain tied to their injury-report access point through the main team hub.

Fairleigh Dickinson Outlook

Fairleigh Dickinson sits at 1-6 through one of the most demanding nonconference schedules in the NEC. The Knights have faced Texas, Iowa State, and Minnesota, and now add Providence to a December string that mirrors power-league travel intensity. Eric Parnell leads the team at 12 points per game and has scored in double figures against both Big 12 and SEC opponents. Taeshaud Jackson remains the Knights’ anchor on the glass, averaging 9.1 rebounds, tied for the NEC lead.

A late push from distance in their loss to Army — six made threes in the second half — offered a blueprint for staying competitive: tempo, spacing, and opportunistic perimeter shooting. Fairleigh Dickinson’s primary challenge will be handling Providence’s physical front line and preventing second-chance scoring. If the Knights can limit turnovers and generate early-clock shots, they can keep the pace manageable. Personnel updates are accessible through their team hub’s injury-report section when needed.

Key Matchup Table

Key Factor	Advantage
Rebounding Margin	Providence
Backcourt Scoring	Providence
Turnover Creation	Providence
Three-Point Variance	Fairleigh Dickinson
Bench Impact	Providence

Betting Trends

Providence is 4-4 overall but has faced one of the tougher early slates among Big East teams. Their recent ATS trends skew toward higher totals, as defensive inconsistency has produced several games that sailed past projections. Fairleigh Dickinson is 1-6 and has struggled to cover against high-major opposition, though they have shown improved competitiveness in second halves. This is the first meeting between the teams, offering no historical angle.

For additional market comparisons and broader NCAAB odds insights, bettors can reference the updated board at the college basketball scores and odds center: NCAAB Scores & Odds.

The Lean

Providence owns decisive advantages in size, depth, and efficiency, and should dictate early pace. The Friars’ defensive recalibration against Florida hinted at progress, and if Edwards stabilizes scoring in his bench role, Providence should control both halves. Fairleigh Dickinson’s path to covering hinges on hitting outside shots at a high clip and capitalizing on any extended cold spells from the Friars.

Projected Score: Providence 87, Fairleigh Dickinson 64
Best Bet: Providence ATS
Total Lean: Under
For more matchup previews and analytical models across the week’s slate, visit the NCAAB preview hub: College Basketball Previews.

Why You Need Expert Picks

Lines this large create volatility because late-game rotations, pace drops, and bench minutes can swing outcomes sharply. That’s where expert projections gain value. The Handicappers Leaderboard, accessible through the college basketball picks portal, tracks analysts with proven records in identifying sharp-side movement and efficiency mismatches. Their evaluations incorporate regression indicators, lineup shifts, and matchup-based scoring projections.

These insights help bettors understand where inflated lines may offer openings and where elite teams can exceed expectations. Deeper strategy guidance is also available through the basketball betting resources offered on the platform, including league-specific breakdowns like the NBA-focused betting guide: NBA Betting Guide.

Projected Final Score: Providence 87, Fairleigh Dickinson 64
Best Spread Pick: Providence ATS
Total Lean: Under