Connecticut (9-3) vs. Butler (7-5)
December 21, 2024 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Butler +9.5; Over/Under: +144.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The UConn Huskies and Butler Bulldogs meet Saturday in college basketball action at the Hinkle Fieldhouse. Here’s a Butler vs UConn Prediction. This article will include a Butler vs UConn Pick.
UConn Huskies Betting Preview
The UConn Huskies beat Gonzaga and Xavier, and they play DePaul, Providence and Villanova next. The UConn Huskies are averaging 84.5 points on 49.8 percent shooting and allowing 67 points on 41.6 percent shooting. Alex Karaban is averaging 16 points and 5 rebounds, while Liam McNeeley is averaging 13.7 points and 2.3 assists. Solo Ball is the third double-digit scorer and Tarris Reed Jr. is grabbing 8.4 rebounds. The UConn Huskies are shooting 35.3 percent from beyond the arc and 78.7 percent from the free throw line. The UConn Huskies are allowing 39.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 34.1 rebounds per game.
Butler Bulldogs Betting Preview
The Butler Bulldogs lost to Wisconsin and Marquette, and they play Villanova, St. John’s and Providence next. The Butler Bulldogs are averaging 73 points on 45.1 percent shooting and allowing 68.8 points on 39.5 percent shooting. Jahmyl Terlfort is averaging 16.2 points and 4.6 rebounds, while Pierre Brooks II is averaging 15.2 points and 1.8 assists. Patrick McCaffery is the third double-digit scorer and Kolby King is grabbing 4.8 rebounds. The Butler Bulldogs are shooting 39.4 percent from beyond the arc and 76.2 percent from the free throw line. The Butler Bulldogs are allowing 29 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 32.4 rebounds per game.
Why the Connecticut Huskies will win
- Connecticut has won each of its last 10 day games against the Big East Conference.
- Butler has lost each of its last nine day games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Connecticut has won the first half in nine of its last 10 day games against the Big East Conference.
Total Points Facts
- Five of Butler’s last six day games against AP-ranked opponents at Hinkle Fieldhouse have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
- Eight of Connecticut’s last nine Saturday games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 141 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Butler ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for steals per game this season (3.1).
- Butler ranks 361st among Division 1 teams for opponent turnovers per game this season (7.7).
- Connecticut ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (7.1).
- Connecticut ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for assist to turnover ratio this season (2.01).
Butler vs UConn Prediction
The UConn Huskies are the better team, and they’ve been a cover machine these last few years for the most part. However, UCONN has been in some dog fights lately, and that includes a recent overtime game against Xavier. The Butler Bulldogs are always a tough out at home, and they’re an above average defensive side this season. UCONN should win, but this has the feel of a slow, close game. Give me Butler and the points.
