An intriguing non-conference matchup takes place tonight at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Bryan Hodgson era has begun for Providence (). The Friars got started with a bang, reeling off a 27-point win over Maine on Monday. Expectations might be even higher for Nebraska (1-0), fresh off of the program’s first-ever Sweet 16 appearance last season. Saturday’s matchup will serve as a litmus test for two squads with NCAA Tournament expectations.
Nebraska enters this one as 2.5-point favorites (-115) over Providence. The total is set at 158.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here’s a college basketball pick, preview and prediction for Saturday’s game between the Friars and Cornhuskers.
Providence vs. Nebraska prediction, preview
Almost all of the pieces have changed for Providence, which is to be expected under a new head coach. Luckily for the Friar faithful, Hodgson has done a stellar job bringing in talent.
The headliner is Miles Byrd, a two-way terror during his four years with San Diego State. He averaged 10.4 points, 1.9 steals and 1.2 blocks with the Aztecs last season. Georgetown transfer Malik Mack brings scoring ability and experience playing in the Big East. Maryland wing Elijah Saunders should also make a positive impact for PC. Ditto for Ryan Mela, one of the lone returning pieces for the Friars.
If there’s one thing to expect from a Hodgson-led crew, it’s plenty of buckets. His old team, South Florida, averaged college basketball’s eighth-most points per game last season (87.5). Just as important, the Bulls operated at the nation’s 15th-quickest adjusted tempo (15.7). Given the amount of offensive talent on this Providence roster, there’s no reason to expect a different approach this season.
Nebraska is riding high as a program, looking to build off of last season’s historic Sweet 16 run. Head coach Fred Hoiberg certainly has the requisite pieces to deliver another banner in Lincoln. All-Big Ten selection Pryce Sandfort is back, looking to build off of an outstanding junior campaign. The forward averaged 18.1 points per game on 48/42/86 shooting splits. Fellow returnees Cale Jacobsen and Braden Frager should make an impact as well.
With that being said, the Cornhuskers said goodbye to key pieces in Sam Hoiberg, Rienk Mast, and Jamarques Lawrence this offseason. That could have a negative impact, although Monday’s 106-point output suggests this group can overcome those losses. Belmont’s Sam Orme was a nice addition in the transfer portal. The 6’10” center will make a difference down low. Hoiberg’s crew was fairly efficient last season, connecting on 58.0% of their field goal attempts from inside the arc. That was the 21st-best mark in college basketball.
Providence vs. Nebraska pick, best bet
Offense usually takes longer to get up to speed this early in the season. However, these are two of the best offensive minds in college basketball. With both sides eyeing a crucial early season win, there should be plenty of points on the scoreboard tonight. Expect a high-scoring affair this evening at Mohegan Sun.
