Kansas vs. Providence prediction, odds: 2022 NCAA Tournament picks, March Madness Sweet 16 bets from top model

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Kansas vs. Providence prediction, odds: 2022 NCAA Tournament picks, March Madness Sweet 16 bets from top model

Top-seeded Kansas will try to avoid being the third No. 1 seed eliminated in the Sweet 16 when it faces No. 4 seed Providence on Friday night in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. The Jayhawks punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 with wins over Texas Southern and Creighton. Providence advanced with March Madness victories against South Dakota State and Richmond.

Tipoff is set for 7:29 p.m. ET on Friday at the United Center. Caesars Sportsbook lists the Jayhawks as seven-point favorites in the latest Kansas vs. Providence odds. The total for points scored is listed at 141.5. Before locking in any Providence vs. Kansas picks, be sure to check out the college basketball predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every Division I college basketball game 10,000 times. Over the past five-plus years, the proprietary computer model has generated an impressive profit of over $1,300 for $100 players on its top-rated college basketball picks against the spread. Anyone who has followed it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Kansas vs. Providence and revealed its coveted picks and predictions for the NCAA Tournament 2022. You can head to SportsLine to see all of the model's college basketball picks. Here are several college basketball odds and trends for Providence vs. Kansas:

  • Kansas vs. Providence spread: Jayhawks -7
  • Kansas vs. Providence over-under: 141.5 points
  • Kansas vs. Providence money line: Friars +260, Jayhawks -320
  • KU: The Jayhawks are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall
  • PROV: The Friars are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games as an underdog

Why Kansas can cover

Kansas is coming off a hard-fought win over Creighton in the second round. The Jayhawks played scrappy defense, forcing the Bluejays into difficult shots all game long. Creighton shot 35 percent from the floor and was massively outmuscled on the boards. Kansas won the rebound margin 47-31.

Four of the five starters for Kansas were in double figures. Senior guard Ochai Agbaji was all over the floor, finishing with 15 points, six rebounds and eight assists. Junior guard Christian Braun also played a big role in the win. He dropped 13 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Senior guard Remy Martin provided a huge spark off the bench. Martin logged a team-high 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. This backcourt for Kansas showed its versatility and playmaking ability. 

Why Providence can cover

Providence had a statement win over Richmond, blowing out the Spiders in a 79-51 final. The Friars continue to be undervalued by the betting market, covering the spread in five of their last seven games. They are one of the most experienced teams in college basketball, ranked seventh in KenPom's experience ratings.

Their experience has led to a low turnover rate and strong defensive numbers, which bodes well for keeping Friday night's game close. Providence tends to play close games, with 11 of its wins this season coming by five points or less. The Friars are also 8-2 ATS when listed as underdogs, so they certainly have a great shot of keeping this one within the number. 

How to make Providence vs. Kansas picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 143 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all the value. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.