Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the 22nd-ranked Villanova Wildcats (14-4, 5-0 Big East) visit Butler to take on the Bulldogs (12-7, 3-3 Big East). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Bulldogs defeated the St. John’s Red Storm 80-71, while the Wildcats beat the Xavier Musketeers 85-75.
The Wildcats, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.545, had an extraordinary mark of 0.625 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.6 (above their season average of 30.7). The Bulldogs, meanwhile, held the Red Storm to an effective field goal percentage of 0.437 (below their season average of 0.563) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.5 (below the 28.6 mark opponents have averaged against Butler this season). Butler’s Kamar Baldwin had a good game, putting up 30 points and eight rebounds. Eric Paschall, meanwhile played a key role for Villanova with 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Wildcats captured this series last year, securing victories in two out of three games. In the last matchup, Villanova won 87-68. Villanova out-rebounded Butler. The Wildcats had 12 offensive rebounds and 37 total rebounds, while the Bulldogs had three and 25, respectively. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
The Wildcats’ Phil Booth has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 21 points,5.8 rebounds,5.6 assists,1.4 steals per game. Meanwhile, Baldwin has averaged 21 points,6.6 rebounds,5.0 assists,1.2 steals during that same time frame for the Bulldogs.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams battle. Butler ranks 309th in possessions per game (66.8) and Villanova is 316th (66.4).
Villanova vs. Butler Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Butler ranks 41st in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Villanova ranks 136th (13.4).
- The Wildcats rank 162nd in rebounds per game (35.5) while the Bulldogs rank 251st (33.1).
- Butler ranks 43rd in steals allowed per game (5.5) while Villanova ranks 57th (5.7).
- The Wildcats rank eighth in three pointers attempted per game (29.0) while the Bulldogs rank 99th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
- Villanova ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while Butler ranks 107th (3.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.6, down from 8.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 79.0 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 71.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
