Creighton vs Providence: Betting Odds, Picks, and Predictions (3/11/22)

Creighton vs Providence Betting Odds

Providence snuck by Butler to make the semifinals, but the Friars needed some Al Durham magic to get it done.

AL DURHAM!

The Providence guard had missed his last 18 3-pointers dating back to January.

The Closer delivers once again. pic.twitter.com/UuyhHpk3uQ

— Heat Check CBB (@HeatCheckCBB) March 10, 2022

Meanwhile, Creighton coasted to a relatively easy victory over Marquette. Even without their starting point guard, the Bluejays’ interior offense and defense is a force.

But Providence will present a whole different kind of challenge. After collecting its first Big East regular-season title ever, the Friars are feeling disrespected.

Does Creighton have the firepower to keep up?

Creighton Bluejays Odds

I have fallen in love with this version of the Bluejays.

Greg McDermott has re-built his style of play to fit his roster in the post-Marcus Zegarowski world.

The Bluejays are ruthless on the interior. They led the Big East in both 2-point shooting and 2-point defense – as well as effective field goal percentage and effective field goal percentage allowed.

Unfortunately, turnovers were a problem. Ryan Nembhard was a big part of that. But that was expected from a young team.

The bigger question is how will Creighton respond with Nembhard hurt?

Well, Trey Alexander was big in the win over Marquette, recording eight assists. And although Arthur Kaluma has started most of the year, he’s been more active as a ball-handler and playmaker. He looked great in the Marquette win.

I think this Creighton team is a little undervalued. Dumb mistakes are plentiful, and so are late-game collapses. But the young Bluejays finally closed a game with emphasis against Marquette, and I think that will be a learning moment for the Bluejays.

Providence Friars Odds

Providence could’ve easily lost that game against Butler.

And that was a big win for members of “Providence Faders Anonymous”. This team continues to win and cover games despite having some of the most obvious regression metrics. The Friars are tops in KenPom’s Luck metric and are projected for the most amount of negative regression on ShotQuality. The Friars have won so many close games, too.

Providence fans are also feeling very disrespected about the team considering it won 24 games and a Big East regular-season title.

Now, despite the luck, Providence has done some great things this year. Specifically on offense, where the Friars finished third in the conference in offensive efficiency.

This team is made up of playmakers. Guys like Nate Watson, Al Durham, and Jared Bynum create for their team and make tough shots. Bynum has really been given the keys to the offense, and his 35% assist rate this year cracked the top-25 of all college basketball players.

It’s probably the reason why Providence won so many close games this season. With that many elite, clutch-time shot makers, Providence has an edge in the clutch.

The Friars are also well-coached. Ed Cooley has always been elite at the helm, and he’s having the best season of his career.

Creighton vs Providence Prediction and Pick

I’m going to keep backing Creighton and keep fading Providence. I will be doing this all throughout March Madness.

Providence is going to see its regression coming during March. Meanwhile, I actually project Creighton for some positive regression, specifically on the defensive end around the paint.

Plus, this is a big revenge spot for Creighton after getting blown out against Providence the night the Friars clinched the title. I’m hoping they give it their all in this one.