The Creighton Bluejays (19-8, 8-6 Big East) will travel to Hinkle Fieldhouse to clash with the Butler Bulldogs (18-10, 8-7 Big East) in their home finale. Butler is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 157 points. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Creighton Bluejays vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Preview
The last time the Bluejays played, they were beaten by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 90-86. Creighton’s Khyri Thomas had a good game, leading both teams in scoring with 26 points on 11-for-17 shooting. Marquette had an offensive rebounding percentage of 44.8 (above their season average of 27.5). Creighton, meanwhile, did a terrific job of making free throws (11-15; 73.3 percent).
The Bulldogs come in on a high note after defeating the Providence Friars in their last contest, 69-54. With 19 points on 6-for-17 shooting, Kelan Martin was the games leading scorer. Butler played a nearly perfect game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.255 (above their season average of 0.211) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.543). For those same stats, Providence put up marks of 0.167 and 0.367, respectively.
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses battle. Butler currently ranks 53rd with 112.5 points per 100 possessions and Creighton is 17th (116.7). Moreover, the Bluejays, who rank 330th in offensive rebounding percentage (22.4 percent), could have a tough time getting put-back points against the Bulldogs, who rank 31st in defensive rebounding percentage (75.6 percent).
Of Creighton’s 25 games that accepted bets, 13 have finished over the O/U total, while 16 of Butler’s 27 games have finished over the O/U total. Both teams have solid straight up (SU) records (19-8 for Creighton; 18-10 for Butler), but the Bulldogs have the advantage against the spread (ATS). Butler is 14-13 ATS, while the Bluejays are 12-13.
Martin has been solid over the last five games for Butler, averaging 25.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
These teams have already met once this season. The two teams combined to put up 159 points in that game, which was just under the projected point total of 160. The Bluejays won 85-74, covering as 6-point favorites. The Bluejays played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.180 and a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.607. For those same stats, the Bulldogs had marks of 0.088 and 0.500, respectively. Martin Krampelj recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
Creighton Bluejays vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Prediction
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Creighton, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Bulldogs rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (5.0) while the Bluejays rank 108th (6.1).
- Butler is 11-4 ATS at home, while Creighton is 4-7 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone over in 6 of the Bluejays’ 11 road games, while 11 of the Bulldogs’ 15 home games have gone over.
- Creighton ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (27.8) while Butler ranks 129th (22.4).
- The Bluejays rank fourth in assists per game (18.4) while the Bulldogs rank 112th (14.4).
- Butler ranks 46th in rebounds allowed per game (32.2) while Creighton ranks 144th (34.6).
Betting Trends:
- Butler is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Creighton is 0-4 ATS with 2 overs and 2 unders.
- The Bulldogs average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 7.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bluejays have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (4.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 76.2 points per game (2.7 above their season average).
