The 11th-ranked Butler Bulldogs (12-1) and their phenomenal offense visit St. John’s to play the Red Storm (11-2) and their tremendous defense. Action starts at 7:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 31, 2019.
Butler Bulldogs vs. St. John’s Red Storm ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Red Storm won a close one over the 16th-ranked Arizona Wildcats 70-67, while the Bulldogs had no trouble getting past the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks 67-36.
Butler dominated every stat category in the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.517 (below their season average of 0.550) and a free throw rate of 0.102 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Louisiana-Monroe was 0.258 and 0.083, respectively. Meanwhile, St. John’s’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Arizona. The Red Storm had a rate of 9.7 (better than their season average of 14.8), while the Wildcats posted a mark of 17.3 (above their season average of 14.2). LJ Figueroa played well for St. John’s with 21 points. Butler was lifted by Bryce Nze, who recorded 10 points and seven rebounds.
This series was highly competitive last year, as the teams split their two games last season. The Red Storm won the last game 77-73. The Red Storm’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Bulldogs. St. John’s had a rate of 9.9, while Butler posted a mark of 20.1. This will be the first meeting of the year between these two teams.
This battle figures to be low-scoring as a pair of the NCAA’s top defenses clash. St. John’s ranks 32nd in defensive efficiency (88.7) and Butler is sixth (83.7). Moreover, the Bulldogs commit the 30th-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.6 percent), while the pesky defense of the Red Storm causes the 37th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 23.8 percent).
Butler Bulldogs at St. John’s Red Storm Free Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – St. John’s, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Butler ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while St. John’s ranks 235th (38.9).
- The Bulldogs rank 26th in assists allowed per game (10.0) while the Red Storm rank 125th (12.8).
- Butler averages 19.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 213th in the country. St. John’s ranks 221st in three pointers allowed per game (25.5).
- The Red Storm rank ninth in steals per game (9.9) while the Bulldogs rank 194th (5.2).
- St. John’s ranks 14th in blocks per game (5.5) while Butler ranks 128th (2.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Red Storm’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, down from 13.0 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 66.2 points per game (3.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 50.6 points per game (3.0 below their season average).
