The No. 22 Villanova Wildcats (14-4, 5-0 Big East) and the Butler Bulldogs (12-7, 3-3 Big East), who both like to play slow, will battle at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.
Villanova Wildcats at Butler Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last game, they topped the Xavier Musketeers, 85-75. Villanova’s effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Xavier. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.625 (above their season average of 0.545), while the Musketeers posted a mark of 0.484. Eric Paschall led the way for Villanova, putting up 17 points and eight rebounds.
The Bulldogs beat the St. John’s Red Storm in their last outing, 80-71. Butler made 11 of their 25 three pointers (44.0 percent), while St. John’s was 7-24 (29.2 percent). Kamar Baldwin was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 10-for-18 shooting from the field.
After the Wildcats won two out of three games against the Bulldogs last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the last game, Villanova won 87-68. The Wildcats had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.3 vs. 10.7) and had a better turnover percentage (13.8 vs. 17.2).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Phil Booth (21 points,5.8 rebounds,5.6 assists,1.4 steals) has been stellar for the Wildcats while Baldwin (21 points,6.6 rebounds,5.0 assists,1.2 steals) has made solid contributions to the Bulldogs.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Butler currently ranks 309th in possessions per game (66.8) and Villanova is 316th (66.4).
Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Villanova, ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Butler ranks 41st in assists allowed per game (11.1) while Villanova ranks 136th (13.4).
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).
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).
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).
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