Preview: Providence Friars at Villanova Wildcats BRYN MAWR, Pa. (Interstat) — The Villanova Wildcats look to solidify their standing near the top of the Big East when they host the struggling Providence Friars on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at The Pavilion. Villanova (15-5 overall) enters the contest having won five of its last seven games, though it is coming off a 75-67 overtime road loss at then-Connecticut on Jan. 24. The Wildcats previously defeated Providence 88-82 on Jan. 13 behind a balanced scoring attack. The Friars (9-12) seek to end a three-game skid and reverse their recent fortune in close games. Providence has lost four of its last five contests, with three of those defeats by six points or fewer, including a 105-104 overtime heartbreaker at Marquette on Jan. 19 and an 81-78 home loss to Georgetown last Saturday. A key rematch will be in the paint, where Villanova’s Duke Brennan faces Providence’s Jamier Jones. Brennan, a consistent double-double threat, posted 14 points in the first meeting. He is averaging 13.4 points and 8.9 rebounds over his last seven games, including a 16-point, 14-rebound effort in the loss to UConn. Jones has been a bright spot for Providence, scoring 20 or more points in three of his last five outings. He led the Friars with 23 points in the Jan. 13 loss to Villanova and followed that with 20 points and four assists in Tuesday’s 87-81 defeat at Connecticut. Villanova’s defense, which held Georgetown to 51 points in a win on Jan. 21, will aim to contain a Providence offense that has shown potency, averaging 86.2 points over its last five games despite the losses. The Wildcats will also rely on the supporting play of Tyler Perkins, who notched a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) against UConn. The Friars, who have not won a road game since Jan. 3 at St. John’s, will need secondary scoring beyond Jones. Jaylin Sellers (18 points vs. UConn) and Oswin Erhunmwunse, who had four blocks in that game, are critical contributors. Friday’s matchup is the second of two scheduled regular-season meetings between the teams. Villanova holds a commanding advantage in the all-time series, but the Friars’ recent performances suggest another tightly contested Big East battle.