Providence Fiar vs Villanova Wildcats Picks and Predictions February 15th 2025

Wildcats Aim for Season Sweep and Fourth Straight Win

Villanova enters Saturday night’s Big East showdown against Providence with momentum on its side. The Wildcats (15-10, 8-6 Big East) are on a three-game winning streak and fresh off a signature 73-71 victory over No. 9 St. John’s on Wednesday.

Villanova’s hot shooting has fueled its recent success. The Wildcats have shot at least 50 percent in back-to-back games and 10 times this season. In their most recent victory, sophomore Tyler Perkins hit the game-winning 3-pointer with nine seconds left, capping a strong offensive performance.

“I’m just more glad we got the win,” Perkins said. “If it was me shooting, Eric (Dixon) shooting, it doesn’t matter. We got the win.”

Dixon Leading the Charge for Villanova

The Wildcats’ offensive attack revolves around Eric Dixon, who leads the nation in scoring at 23.5 points per game. He has scored in double figures in every game this season, including a 17-point effort against St. John’s.

But Villanova’s balance has been key, as Wooga Poplar (22 points vs. St. John’s) and multiple double-figure scorers have helped stretch defenses that focus on Dixon.

“I think we have a big-time team,” Villanova coach Kyle Neptune said. “I think our guys know that on any given day, we come out, we play harder together, we can win.”

A victory over Providence would give Villanova a season sweep, as the Wildcats defeated the Friars 71-60 on Jan. 13.

Providence Struggling Amid Injuries and Four-Game Skid

While Villanova is surging, Providence (11-14, 5-9 Big East) is trending in the opposite direction. The Friars have lost four straight games, including a 91-82 home loss to Xavier on Wednesday.

Injuries have played a major role in Providence’s struggles.

Corey Floyd Jr. missed the Xavier game due to concussion protocol following a car accident earlier in the week.

Jabri Abdur-Rahim and Bryce Hopkins are out with season-ending knee injuries.

Wesley Cardet (IT band injury) and Christ Essandoko (illness) have also been sidelined.

Head coach Kim English acknowledged the difficulties but remains focused on the team’s preparation.

“I can’t control a hit-and-run car accident. I can’t control Wesley Cardet’s IT band. I can’t control Bryce’s situation,” English said. “The only thing we can control is our preparation every day.”

Can Providence Overcome Adversity?

Despite missing Floyd against Xavier, Providence still had five players score in double figures, including:

Bensley Joseph (15 points)

Justyn Fernandez (15 points)

The Friars shot 53.7 percent from the field but struggled at the free-throw line (2-of-10) and allowed a 29-7 first-half run that proved too much to overcome.

“Even still without Corey, I still think we had enough if we’re disciplined, if we play the right way,” English said.

Key Matchups to Watch

Eric Dixon vs. Providence’s Interior Defense – Can the Friars contain the nation’s leading scorer?

Villanova’s 3-Point Shooting vs. Providence’s Perimeter Defense – The Wildcats have shot well recently. Can Providence slow them down?

Providence’s Bench Production – With injuries piling up, the Friars need contributions from unexpected sources.

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Will Villanova Stay Hot, or Can Providence Pull the Upset?

With a fourth straight win on the line, Villanova is playing its best basketball at the right time. Meanwhile, Providence is desperate to stop its slide, but injuries and inconsistency have made life difficult for the Friars.

Will Villanova’s momentum continue, or can Providence find a way to defend home court despite its challenges? Saturday night’s game will reveal whether the Wildcats can keep climbing the Big East standings or if the Friars can turn their season around with a much-needed win.