NCAAB January 30, 2026

This is the rematch that Villanova has been waiting for. The Wildcats (15-5, 6-3 Big East) host Providence (9-12, 2-8 Big East) in a game that should look quite different from their January 13th meeting, which Villanova won 88-82 on the road. The key difference? Providence's leading scorer Jason Edwards has remained out since that game, missing the last four contests and creating a gaping hole in the Friars' offensive attack. Without their primary scoring threat, Providence has been forced to rely on developing players and role players who simply aren't ready to carry the load against quality Big East competition.

The Friars have found a silver lining in freshman Jamier Jones, who has stepped up admirably in Edwards' absence. Jones is averaging 18.4 points and 6.2 rebounds on 57.9% shooting over the last five games, a remarkable breakout for a first-year player thrust into a larger role. Center Oswin Erhunmwunse has also elevated his game, averaging 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks per contest since the first Villanova game. But this output from supporting players hasn't translated to wins. Providence is coming off an 87-81 loss to UConn, and their 2-8 conference record tells the story of a team fighting for respectability rather than tournament positioning.

Villanova's recent loss to UConn (75-67) dropped them from the top tier of the Big East standings, and they need this home win to stay in the conference tournament seeding conversation. The Wildcats are 8-2 at Finneran Pavilion this season and have the defensive versatility to contain Providence's makeshift lineup. The 156.5 total reflects the Big East's typically up-tempo, scoring-friendly style, but expect Villanova to control tempo and prevent this from becoming a shootout. The 8.5-point spread is sizable for a conference road game, but Providence's injury situation and overall record suggest Villanova should handle business comfortably at home. The Wildcats have too much depth and experience for a Providence team still searching for answers without their best player.

VCU (15-6, 6-2 A-10) hosts a Loyola Chicago squad (5-17, 1-8 A-10) that has been one of the most disappointing teams in the country this season. The Ramblers are riding a three-game road losing streak and have won just once in conference play. Their 77.5 points allowed per game in A-10 action has been a death sentence, and they're being outscored by an average of 10.3 points per contest in conference games. This is a program that made a Final Four run in 2018 and sustained success for years afterward, but the 2025-26 season has been an unmitigated disaster from the opening tip.

The Rams have been rock solid at home, posting a 10-2 record at the Siegel Center where their "Havoc" defensive style creates nightmares for visiting teams. VCU ranks fifth in the A-10 in rebounding at 33.3 per game, with Lazar Djokovic leading the way at 5.5 boards per contest. The Rams' three-point shooting has been particularly dangerous, averaging 9.7 made threes per game, which almost perfectly matches Loyola Chicago's allowed rate of 9.8. Terrence Hill Jr. has been carrying the offensive load, averaging 14.4 points while Djokovic adds another 14.4 over the last 10 games. This is a VCU team building momentum toward NCAA Tournament consideration.

The 19.5-point spread is massive, but it reflects the absolute chasm between these two programs right now. This is the first A-10 meeting between the Rams and Ramblers this season, and VCU will want to make a statement. The Siegel Center crowd will be hostile, the Rams' pressure defense will force turnovers, and Loyola Chicago doesn't have the backcourt depth to handle extended pressure. The 151.5 total could go either way depending on pace, but VCU's ability to create transition opportunities off steals and deflections should push this toward the over. For the Ramblers, this is a matter of pride, but the talent disparity is simply too significant to expect a competitive game.

Saint Louis (19-1) has been the surprise story of the Atlantic 10 and one of the most impressive mid-major programs in the entire country this season. The Billikens' only loss came early in the year, and they've been steamrolling conference competition ever since. Hosting Dayton (14-6) at Chaifetz Arena, SLU will look to continue their dominance against a Flyers team that has historically owned this series. Dayton has won four straight meetings against Saint Louis and holds a 43-30 all-time series advantage, but this year's version of the Billikens is built differently. They have the depth, the defense, and the home court advantage to flip the script on this rivalry.

The Flyers enter with a solid 14-6 record but have been inconsistent against quality opposition. Anthony Grant's program is always competitive in the A-10, but this feels like a rebuilding year where the young pieces are still learning to play together. Dayton's road record has been particularly troubling, and facing a Saint Louis team playing with supreme confidence on their home floor presents a significant challenge. The Billikens have been dominant at Chaifetz Arena, using their home crowd energy to fuel defensive intensity and transition offense.

The 11.5-point spread is the largest Saint Louis has been favored by against Dayton in recent memory, and it reflects just how different these teams are this season. The Billikens are playing for NCAA Tournament seeding and potentially a top-four seed in their regional, while Dayton is battling just to stay on the tournament bubble. The 151.5 total suggests a moderately-paced game, which SLU should control. They want to play physical, dominate the glass, and limit Dayton's three-point opportunities. The Flyers will need an exceptional shooting night to keep this close, and road shooting environments in the A-10 are notoriously difficult. Saint Louis should cover this spread comfortably, extending their remarkable season in front of a raucous home crowd.