The Villanova Wildcats (21-8, 12-4 Big East) wrap up their home schedule at Wells Fargo Center against the Butler Bulldogs (15-13, 6-9 Big East). Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 2, 2019.
Butler Bulldogs vs. Villanova Wildcats ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Wildcats were victorious over the 10th-ranked Marquette Golden Eagles, 67-61, while the Bulldogs were beaten by the Providence Friars, 73-67.
Villanova played a nearly perfect game. They had a great turnover percentage of 9.2 (better than their season average of 14.7) and a free throw rate of 0.310 (above their season average of 0.248). Marquette put up marks of 25.6 and 0.125, respectively, for those same stats. Butler, meanwhile, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (23-29; 79.3 percent). Jermaine Samuels fueled Villanova with 29 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Kamar Baldwin had a solid performance for Butler, contributing 27 points and six rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Eric Paschall led the Wildcats to an 80-72 win. He scored a game-high 23 points. Converting at the free throw line was one of Villanova’s largest strengths. They were 16-18 (88.9 percent), while the Bulldogs were just 3-5 (60.0 percent).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the NCAA’s slowest-paced teams square off. Villanova currently ranks 319th in possessions per game (65.6) and Butler is 260th (67.5).
Butler Bulldogs vs. Villanova Wildcats Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Villanova ranks 14th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Butler ranks 125th (3.5).
- The Wildcats are 23rd in the country with 5.1 steals allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 47th with 5.4 steals allowed per game.
- Butler ranks 141st in assists per game (13.4) while Villanova ranks 153rd in assists allowed per game (13.4).
- The Wildcats average 30.4 three pointers per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. The Bulldogs rank 99th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4).
- Villanova ranks 155th in rebounds per game (35.3) while Butler ranks 233rd (32.9).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 74.6 points per game (1.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 75.2 points per game (5.5 above their season average).
- The Wildcats have been outscored by an average of 1.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Villanova has defeated opponents by an average of 7.5 points.
