The late-blooming Wildcats won five of seven down the stretch and appear to be getting better as the season wears on. They also have the best player on the floor in Oscar Tshiebwe, the reigning national Player of the Year. Providence has been stubborn and solid as usual, but a nine-game winning streak mid-season appears to be its peak. The Friars stumble into the NCAA Tournament with losses in four of their past five.

The Friars stumble into March Madness having lost four of their last five games. It’s a stretch that’s hard to ignore, no matter how talented they are. Although there is motivation with former Wildcat Bryce Hopkins and tenured talent, look for Kentucky to exhibit a more fluid game plan. Tail the Wildcats in what should be a dramatic against-the-spread finish.

These are two teams that appear to be headed in opposite directions. Kentucky has been very good in SEC play (outside of two losses to Vanderbilt) and Providence is stumbling to the finish line, losing 4 of their last 5 games. Not only has Providence been losing, but over their last two games they've been handled quite easily by both Seton Hall and UConn. I'm not worried about any Bryce Hopkins revenge narratives, and if anything, I think that will hurt Providence if he puts too much on his shoulders. Give me the more talented and hotter team to cover.

I like the Friars here because I think Kentucky transfer Bryce Hopkins will have a big game against his former team. Kentucky went 0-5 ATS on neutral courts this season and has gone 2-12 ATS on neutrals the past three seasons. Take the points with Providence College.

East Region first-round game from Greensboro, NC. Providence has fallen to pieces down the stretch and really all of its good wins this year were at home. Their best player, Bryce Hopkins, was a washout at Kentucky last season. Actually think it's a good thing UK was knocked out of the SEC Tournament early to get some guys healthier and more practice time. This should be a hugely pro-Big Blue Nation crowd.