Was waiting on the status of injured Al Durham (13.4 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.0 rpg) for the Friars, and he will start. Not just a good player but also one of the nation's top free-throw shooters -- and that obviously could be key in a potentially close game. PC won by 3 at Xavier earlier this season (Durham had 22 points) and the Musketeers have lost four of five overall entering. They also remain without Nate Johnson (9.8 ppg, 2.6 rpg).

Xavier is just 4-4 in true road games with a much less aggressive defense than the Musketeers show at home. They’ve lost four of their last five and are 2-4 ATS in the last six. They’ve dropped to 7-8 in Big East play, but are expected to be one of seven teams to make the NCAA Tournament. Providence has not covered its last three and guard Al Durham is questionable. But Providence has won nine of its last 10 and covered the last four meetings with Xavier. Take Providence on the money line Wednesday.