Villanova Wildcats vs Providence Friars Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/13/26

Villanova will look to move to 5-1 in conference play as they head to Amica Mutual Pavilion to take on Providence. The Wildcats’ game plan is clear: take advantage of a vulnerable Friars perimeter defense and capitalize from beyond the arc. Villanova loves shooting the three, and that could spell trouble for Providence on Tuesday night. The Wildcats rank third in the Big East in three-point shooting (36.1%), and Providence ranks last in opponents’ three-point field goal percentage (37.9%). Recent opponents have taken advantage of a weak Providence defense – Xavier went 12-30 (40%) from beyond the arc against Providence, and UConn went 18-32 (56.2%), and Villanova will look to do the same. 

Defensively, Villanova holds a significant advantage, limiting opponents to 67.8 points per game compared to Providence’s 84.9. While the Wildcats aren’t as strong offensively, averaging 78 points per game compared to the Friars’ 89.1, the matchup sets up well for them. Villanova is shooting 46.8% from the floor this season, and they have plenty of depth to keep things moving offensively. Bryce Lindsay leads his team with 15.6 points per game – and despite scoring just nine and four points in his last two starts, I expect the sophomore to get back on track in this matchup. The Friars’ offense is very talented, but the Wildcats’ defense will look to contain Jason Edwards, and in doing so, the Wildcats will secure another conference win.

Villanova vs Providence prediction: Villanova -2.5 (-105) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number.