Villanova (14-11) vs Butler (16-10)
Game Info: Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at 6:30 pm (Finneran Pavilion)
Betting Odds: Villanova -6.5 -- Over/Under: 140 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: FS1
The Butler Bulldogs and Villanova Wildcats face off on Tuesday in a college basketball showdown at The Pavilion. Let’s look at the betting matchup and give a free Butler vs Villanova prediction.
How Does Butler Bounce Back?
Butler in the last game faced off against Creighton and it wasn’t a good game. Butler scored only 57 points while the defense gave up 79 points. The defense wasn’t great, but even worse was the offense and they are going to need the offense to be better here. Butler overall is averaging 79.3 points while the defense is giving up 74 points per game. The offense is ranked 57th in the league and the offense needs to get back on the right track here. Pierre Brooks has been the top player averaging 15.3 points while shooting 45.3 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from behind the three point line.
Villanova Needs This Win
Villanova have been a disappointment this season but they still sit with a 14-11 record overall. Villanova has won two games in a row, and they are starting to get some confidence. In the last game against Georgetown, Villanova gave up 54 points and they ended up winning by 166 points. TJ Bamba had a strong game, putting up 14 points, three assists, and two rebounds. Villanova on the season is averaging 72.4 points while their defense is giving up 66 points per game. The offense is ranked 226th, while the defense is ranked 39th. Eric Dixon is averaging 15.6 points while shooting 47.9 percent from the field.
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Villanova Wildcats Team Facts
- Villanova has won 62 of its last 64 night games at Finneran Pavilion against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Each of Villanova's last four games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 134 or fewer points.
- Villanova has won the first half in 38 of its last 42 night games at Finneran Pavilion against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Butler Bulldogs Team Facts
- Butler has won each of its last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Seven of Butler's last eight games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 147+ points.
- Butler has lost the first half in 15 of its last 16 road games against the Big East Conference.
Matchup/League Facts
- Villanova ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (81.7%).
- Villanova ranks 18th among Division 1 teams for turnovers per game this season (9.6).
- Butler ranks 5th among Division 1 teams for free throw percentage this season (79.1%).
- Butler ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (14.3).
Butler vs Villanova Betting Prediction
Butler’s offense really struggled in the last game, and now they faced off against a Villanova defense that really impressed in the last game. Villanova gave up only 54 points in the last game, and they are going to really step up in this game. Butler’s offense is going to have some major issues and that is going to be the difference here as Villanova gets the job done. Back Villanova against the spread.
Shane’s Pick Villanova -6
AUTHOR: Shane Mickle
