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How to watch, listen and stream
Game Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network (Brad Johansen, Doug Gottlieb)
Radio: Providence 103.7 WEEI FM, Memphis 600 WREC/Rock 103
Live Stream: CBS Sports Network Website (Where Available)
Gamblin’ Info
Providence is a 2.5-point favorite. The Over/Under is 141. The moneyline is Providence -145/Memphis +125. All odds are via OddsShark.com.
The Stakes
Providence would love to get an RPI boost by winning this game and advancing to likely play Virginia on Saturday. The Friars defeated Evansville last season in the first round of the Wooden Legacy Invitational and got to play against Arizona and then Michigan State to boost their RPI and non-conference strength of schedule. Playing Iowa wouldn’t be the worst thing, but getting a top-10 team on a neutral court would be very beneficial to Providence’s resume.
Memphis is looking to start a season 5-0 for the first time since the 2010-11 season when they started 7-0. The Tigers are also looking to boost their resume by getting a chance to play Virginia on a neutral court. Tubby Smith is looking to make a mark during his first season at the helm of this Memphis program and getting a win against a top-10 team would be a nice November splash in year 1.
Inside the Numbers
Memphis has scored 35.9% of their points in transition. The Tigers are shooting a blistering 62.4% on transition field goal attempts. Providence has only given up 42 points in transition through their first four games, good for 18.1% of their opponent’s scoring this season. This game could come down to which team is able to impose their pace on the other.