Arkansas at Providence 3/19/19 - NCAA Basketball Picks & Predictions

By: Zack |

Last Updated: 08/21/2019 at 11:10 AM ET

The Arkansas Razorbacks are set to travel to the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island for the 1st round of the NIT Tournament as they will face the Providence Friars. The Arkansas Razorbacks enter the tournament as a 5th seed with a 17-15 record, and they will be looking to respond after losing in the 2nd round of the SEC Tournament to the Florida Gators, 66-50. Daniel Gafford led the way for the Razorbacks with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Isaiah Joe was able to contribute 12 points for Arkansas despite going 2 for 9 from three-point range.

The Providence Friars enter the NIT Tournament as a 4th seed with an 18-15 record, and they will be looking to rebound after losing in the Big East quarterfinal round to the Villanova Wildcats, 73-62. Nate Watson led the way for the Providence Friars with 15 points and 5 rebounds. Isaiah Jackson had a solid showing off the bench for the Friars as he contributed 14 points and 2 steals.
Daniel Gafford is the leading scorer and rebounder for the Arkansas Razorbacks as the sophomore forward is averaging 16.9 PPG and 8.6 RPG while also contributing a team-high 1.9 blocks per game. Jalen Harris is the leading assists guy for Mike Anderson and company as the junior guard is contributing 5.3 APG. The Arkansas Razorbacks are shooting 44.7% from the field this season while connecting on 34.3% of their three-point attempts.

Alpha Diallo is the leading scorer, rebounder, and assists guy for the Providence Friars as the junior guard is averaging 16.1 PPG, 8 RPG, and 3.1 APG. Nate Watson has turned out to be one of the top scoring options for Ed Cooley and company as the sophomore center is averaging 11.6 PPG while contributing 5.2 RPG. The Providence Friars are shooting 42.4% from the field this season while connecting on 33.3% of their three-point attempts.

Both these teams have underperformed this season after both making NCAA Tournament appearances last season, but I like what the Friars have done as of lately. Providence has the size to keep Daniel Gafford in check with Nate Watson and the length of Alpha Diallo on top of the key. Providence plays a physical style of play under Ed Cooley, and I think enough body blows to the Razorbacks will put this team out of commission. Final Score Prediction, Providence Friars win and cover ATS 72-63.

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