Providence Friars vs Penn State Nittany Lions Prediction and Picks - November 22, 2025
Use Code SSWC It's the Big East vs the Big 10 in college hoops action on Saturday afternoon, and we have a Providence vs Penn State prediction ready to rock and roll. The Friars are now 3-2 on the year after grabbing a 98-66 home win over New Hampshire. Penn State comes in off an 84-80 home win over Harvard to move to a perfect 5-0 on the year. Continue reading to see our Providence vs Penn State prediction.
Need a buzzer-beater? Our College Basketball Picks are game winners!
Friar Grab Easy Win Over New Hampshire
Providence improved to 3-2 after a 98-66 win over New Hampshire on November 18, a game where Jason Edwards led the way with 25 points, eight assists, and five rebounds. The Friars shot 56% from the field and knocked down 10 threes, turning a competitive first half into a runaway victory. Jaylin Sellers added 18 points, while Jamier Jones chipped in 14 off the bench. It was a strong bounce-back performance after their earlier loss to Colorado, and it showed how dangerous this offense can be when clicking.
Offensively, Providence has been one of the most explosive teams in the country, averaging 96.4 points per game while shooting nearly 50% from the floor. Edwards has been the centerpiece, averaging over 20 points per game with efficiency and playmaking, while Sellers and Stefan Vaaks provide perimeter scoring. Oswin Erhunmwunse has been a force inside, averaging nearly nine rebounds and four blocks per contest, giving the Friars rim protection to complement their fast-paced attack. The depth of scoring options makes Providence difficult to defend, as multiple players are capable of taking over stretches of a game.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Defensively, however, the Friars have been vulnerable, allowing 86 points per game and ranking near the bottom nationally in three-point defense. Opponents have shot over 36% from deep, and rebounding lapses have led to second-chance opportunities. While their offense can mask those issues, facing a disciplined Penn State team will test their ability to stay locked in for 40 minutes. Providence’s challenge will be slowing down Penn State’s efficient shooting while maintaining their own offensive rhythm.
Penn State Fends Off Challenge From Harvard
Penn State enters at 5-0 after a hard-fought 84-80 win over Harvard on November 19, a game where Kayden Mingo scored 24 points and the Nittany Lions shot 54% from the field. Despite allowing Harvard to shoot over 52%, Penn State’s balanced offense and timely free throws carried them through. The victory kept their perfect start intact and highlighted their ability to win close contests against quality opponents.
Offensively, Penn State has been sharp, averaging 82 points per game while ranking among the nation’s leaders in field goal percentage at 52.6%. Mingo has been the go-to scorer at 17 points per game, while Mehmet Tunca adds perimeter shooting with a 63% field goal mark and 54% from three. Junior Freddie Dilione has chipped in double figures consistently, and Ivan Juric has been efficient inside. The Lions don’t rely on one star but instead spread the scoring across multiple contributors, making them difficult to game-plan against.
Defensively, Penn State has been far more reliable than Providence, allowing just 66 points per game and ranking top-25 nationally in scoring defense. They’ve struggled somewhat against the three, but their rebounding and discipline have kept opponents in check. With Providence’s high-octane offense on deck, Penn State’s ability to slow the pace and force contested shots will be critical. If they can control the glass and limit turnovers, the Nittany Lions have the defensive structure to frustrate the Friars and extend their unbeaten run.
Providence vs Penn State Pick
Providence vs Penn State Spread Pick
- Providence +4 (4 Units)
Providence +4 looks like the right side given how explosive their offense has been and the way they’ve responded after setbacks. The Friars are averaging over 96 points per game and shooting nearly 50% from the field, with Jason Edwards and Jaylin Sellers forming one of the more dynamic backcourts in the Big East. Emeka Egbuka has emerged as a reliable scorer on the wing, while Oswin Erhunmwunse provides rim protection and rebounding inside. Even though their defense has been shaky, Providence’s ability to push tempo and spread the floor makes them dangerous against a Penn State team that doesn’t have the same scoring depth.
The matchup trends also favor Providence keeping this close. Penn State has been efficient offensively, but they rank outside the top 300 nationally in free-throw defense and struggle on the glass, averaging just 29 rebounds per game. Providence, meanwhile, has multiple scoring options and the kind of pace that can force Penn State out of its comfort zone. Getting +4 with a team that can score in bunches and has already shown resilience against tougher competition feels like value, especially in a neutral-site setting where the Friars’ offensive firepower can shine.
Providence vs Penn State Over/Under Pick
- Under 161 (4 Units)
The Under 161 makes sense because while Providence plays at a blistering pace and averages nearly 96 points per game, Penn State’s defensive structure has consistently slowed opponents down, holding teams to just 66 points per game. The Nittany Lions rank top‑25 nationally in scoring defense and rebound well enough to limit second‑chance opportunities, while Providence’s own defensive lapses are offset by Penn State’s more methodical style. Add in the fact that Penn State doesn’t push tempo the same way the Friars do, and this matchup profiles as one where the total is inflated by Providence’s offensive numbers but more likely settles into a grind. That makes the Under 161 the sharper angle.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Picks and Parlays premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
