One of the most polarizing teams in college basketball betting this season has been Providence.
It’s the Friars’ first Sweet 16 appearance in 25 years and they do not want to quit dancing now. This team has overachieved a great deal this season but has shown they are capable of notching close victories against anybody.
As for Kansas, the Midwest region has become theirs to lose with Providence being the lone single-digit seed remaining.
Looking at the college basketball betting lines for this game, Kansas is a 7.5-point favorite.
Below we take a look at the matchup, some college basketball betting trends, and where we see value within the odds over on BetMGM.
Providence vs. Kansas: When, Where & How to Watch
#4 Providence: 27-5 (14-3) | #1 Kansas: 30-6 (14-4)
Date: 03/25/2022 | Time: 7:29 PM ET | TV: TBS
Location: Chicago, IL | Venue: United Center
Providence vs. Kansas Odds, Moneyline, Total
Moneyline: Providence +260 | Kansas -350
Spread: Providence +7.5 (-110) | Kansas -7.5 (-110)
Total: 141.5 Over -110 | Under -110
Providence vs. Kansas Analysis
As a Providence doubter all season, I can’t believe I am backing them here.
Top-seeded Kansas put a bit of hesitation into my mind by playing an incredibly close game with short-handed Creighton while the veteran Providence guards have proven time and time again that they are capable of taking care of business when the game is on the line.
The X-factor here will be Kansas guard Remy Martin.
Since his return from a right knee injury, he has been a legitimate contributor that has given its offense even more firepower. With 35 points on 59% shooting from the field, eight assists, and just one turnover in their first two tournament games, Martin was incredibly efficient and will be a tall task for the Friars to defend.
Remy Martin turns defense into offense. pic.twitter.com/ic1WM4ol2z
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 18, 2022
Providence has plenty of quality guards of their own led by Jared Bynum and Al Durham who are capable of clutch shots late in close games and defend the three-point line efficiently, ranked 32nd in the nation in three-point percentage allowed.
Plenty of signs point to Kansas getting things done here, but this number feels a bit too large for me with the ability from the Friars to hang around late in games.
Providence vs. Kansas Prediction
The Pick: Providence +7.5 (-110)
