Villanova Wildcats at Butler Bulldogs ATS Prediction 02/05/20

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The 10th-ranked Villanova Wildcats (17-4, 7-2 Big East) and their great offense head to Butler to play the 19th-ranked Bulldogs (17-5, 5-4 Big East) and their superb defense. Action begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.

Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Odds

Both teams were beaten in their last game. The Bulldogs fell to the Providence Friars, 65-61, while the Wildcats were defeated by the Creighton Bluejays, 76-61.

Villanova did a terrific job of making free throws (10-13; 76.9 percent) while Butler did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (24-31; 77.4 percent). Butler was lifted by Kamar Baldwin, who had 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Collin Gillespie played well for Villanova, putting up 18 points.

In their first matchup this season, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl led the Wildcats to a 76-61 victory. He recorded a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Making free throws was one of Villanova’s biggest strengths. They were 21-23 (91.3 percent), while the Bulldogs were just 4-8 (50.0 percent).

Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Butler ranks 345th in possessions per game (64.1) and Villanova is 267th (67.7). Moreover, the Wildcats rank 55th in offensive efficiency (109.2), while the Bulldogs rank 26th in defensive efficiency (91.1).

Villanova Wildcats at Butler Bulldogs Betting Pick

Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Villanova ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while Butler ranks 220th (19.4).
  • The Wildcats rank 49th in assists per game (14.9) while the Bulldogs rank 151st (13.0).
  • Butler ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while Villanova ranks 100th (34.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 7.6 for the season.
  • During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (13.9 above their season average).