| MATCHUP | Villanova Wildcats | Butler Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 11-2 | 10-4 |
| Spread | +1.5 -112 | -1.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +102 | -122 |
| Total | Over 146.5 (-108) | Under 146.5 (-112) |
| Where | Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN | |
| When | Saturday, January 3, 2026 | |
| Time | 12:00 PM EST | |
| TV | TNT | |
Butler Bulldogs Preview
Butler Bulldogs have a 10-4 record this season and are tied for 6th in the Big East Conference. They have a 7-1 home record and are coming off an 85-89 away loss against Creighton. Their previous three games were a 101-52 home win against NJIT, a 61-58 home win against Northwestern and a 60-79 away loss against Connecticut.
Offensively, Butler averages 86.3 points per game, while allowing 74.1 points per game defensively. The Bulldogs shoot with 47% from the field and grab 42.3 rebounds per game, while dishing out 17.1 assists per game. They average 4.3 blocks per game and 7.4 steals per game defensively.
Michael Ajayi leads Butler in scoring, with an average of 16.6 points per game, while shooting with 47.1% from the field and 62.1% from the free throw line. Michael Ajayi is also the team’s leading rebounder with 12.3 per game, while Michael Ajayi also leads the team with 2.9 assists per game.
Villanova Wildcats Preview
Villanova Wildcats have an 11-2 record this season and are tied for 3rd in the Big East Conference. They have a 2-1 away record and are coming off a 71-66 home win against DePaul. Their previous three games were a 64-56 away win against Seton Hall, a 76-66 home win against Wisconsin and a 79-61 home win against Pittsburgh.
Offensively, Villanova averages 78.1 points per game, while allowing 66.8 points per game defensively. The Wildcats shoot with 46% from the field and grab 37.8 rebounds per game, while dishing out 15.2 assists per game. They average 2.3 blocks per game and 7.2 steals per game defensively.
Bryce Lindsay leads Villanova in scoring, with an average of 16.8 points per game, while shooting with 47.1% from the field and 79.5% from the free throw line. Duke Brennan is the team’s leading rebounder with 11.4 per game, while Acaden Lewis adds a team-high 4.8 assists per game.
Villanova Wildcats @ Butler Bulldogs Betting Trends: January 3, 2026
Why the Butler Bulldogs will win
- Butler has won seven of its last eight games at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
- Villanova has lost three of its last four road day games against Conference opponents.
- The home team has won the first half in 11 of the last 13 games between Villanova and Butler.
Why the Villanova Wildcats will win
- Villanova has won each of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Butler has lost seven of its last nine games against Conference opponents.
- Villanova has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Butler’s last six day games against Conference opponents at Hinkle Fieldhouse have produced a total of 152+ points.
- Each of Villanova’s last four games have produced a total of 142 or fewer points.
Villanova vs Butler Prediction
In this Villanova vs Butler Prediction, Villanova is coming as -1 road favorites. Both teams have similar overall records but Butler has been almost perfect at home but is 3-3 in its last 6 games and 2-5 against the spread in its last 7. On the other hand, Villanova is 9-1 in its last 10 games and 5-2 against the spread, having a superior defense this season, allowing 7.3 points per game less than Butler. They have a +11.3 point differential this season so I expect them top get the job done on the road today. Take Villanova and lay the -1 point.