The Butler Bulldogs (10-5, 1-1 Big East) will be at the Prudential Center to challenge the Seton Hall Pirates (11-4, 2-1 Big East) in a Big East matchup. The game starts at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 9, 2019.
Butler Bulldogs vs. Seton Hall Pirates Betting Odds
Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Pirates defeated the Wagner Seahawks 89-49, while the Bulldogs beat the Miami (OH) RedHawks 90-68.
Butler dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.207 and an offensive rebounding percentage of 46.2. For those same stats, Miami (OH) was 0.095 and 23.5, respectively. The Pirates, meanwhile, had a much better free throw rate (0.328 vs. 0.125) and had a much better turnover percentage (10.4 vs. 20.9). Seton Hall received a boost from Myles Powell, who finished with 30 points. Paul Jorgensen played a key role for Butler with 17 points and seven rebounds.
The Pirates edged out the Bulldogs in this series last year, taking two out of three contests. In the last matchup, Butler won 75-74. The Bulldogs’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Pirates. Butler had a rate of 7.9, while Seton Hall posted a mark of 17.3. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
The Bulldogs’ Jorgensen has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Powell has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Pirates.
The aggressive Seton Hall offense might be living from the charity stripe in this battle. The Pirates rank 95th in the NCAA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.265, while Butler ranks 234th in FTA rate allowed (0.245).
Butler Bulldogs at Seton Hall Pirates Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Seton Hall, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Seton Hall ranks 49th in blocks per game (4.3) while Butler ranks 161st (2.1).
- The Pirates rank 210th in rebounds per game (34.3) while the Bulldogs rank 246th (32.5).
- Seton Hall ranks 26th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while Butler ranks 46th (5.5).
- The Bulldogs rank 28th in assists allowed per game (10.5) while the Pirates rank 138th (13.4).
- Butler ranks 83rd in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while Seton Hall ranks 124th in three pointers allowed per game (22.3).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Pirates have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.8 points per game (5.2 below their season average).
- The Bulldogs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.2, up from 7.3 for the season.
