Butler Bulldogs (16-10) vs. Villanova Wildcats (14-11)
February 20, 2024 6:30 pm EDT
The Line: Villanova Wildcats -6.5; Over/Under: +141.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Butler Bulldogs will play the Villanova Wildcats in a Big East game on Tuesday night at Finneran Pavilion in Villanova, Pennsylvania. Butler has lost three of their last four games, while Villanova has won three of their last four. Let’s take a look at the betting matchup and the Butler vs Villanova prediction.
Butler Preview
The Butler Bulldogs are 16-10 (7-8) this season after they lost to Creighton by a score of 79-57 in their last game. Butler led 35-34 at the half, but they only scored 22 points in the second half for the loss. The Bulldogs shot 40% from the field and were -12 in rebounding margin in the game. Butler lost to Marquette by a score of 78-72 in the game prior to Creighton, but did beat Providence before that. The Bulldogs are scoring 79.3 points per game with 36.3 rebounds per game and 14.9 assists per game, while giving up 74 points against per game this year. Pierre Brooks is averaging 15.3 points per game, 4.5 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game. Butler is shooting 45.7% from the field, 79.1% on free throws, and 35.7% on three pointers this season.
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Villanova Preview
The Villanova Wildcats are 14-11 (7-7) this year after they defeated Georgetown by a score of 70-54 in their last game. Villanova led 28-19 at halftime and they scored 42 points to pull away in the second half in the win. The Wildcats shot 45.5% from the field and made 11 three pointers in the game. Villanova defeated Seton Hall by a score of 80-54 in the game prior to Georgetown, but lost to Xavier before that. The Wildcats are scoring 72.4 points per game with 35.5 rebounds per game and 12.8 assists per game, while giving up 66 points against per game this season. Eric Dixon is averaging 15.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Villanova is shooting 42.5% from the field, 81.7% on free throws, and 33.4% on three pointers this year.
Butler vs Villanova Betting Prediction
Villanova started conference play pretty poorly, but they have really turned things around and they have won three of their last four games. The Wildcats aren’t great on the offensive end of the court, but they are great on defense and have allowed fewer than 57 points in four straight games. Butler is the better scoring team in this matchup, but they do not play strong defense, allowing 74 points against per game this year. Both teams really need this win to stay in the tournament discussion and I think with Villanova’s defensive ability, we are going to see a lower scoring game. Take the under here.
