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Butler vs Villanova: Big East Clash
The Butler Bulldogs are visiting the Villanova Wildcats at Finneran Pavilion on Tuesday.
A difficult week for the Bulldogs
The Butler Bulldogs are eighth in the Big East Conference with a 16-10 record, including 7-8 in conference play. They have lost three of the last four games and are coming off a 79-57 loss to Creighton. Jalen Thomas had the best game of the season, recording 18 points and 5 assists. Pierre Brooks is the best player for Butler this season, averaging 15.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Bulldogs are fifth in the league, shooting 79.1% from the free throw line, and 57th, scoring 79.3 points per game.
The Wildcats are trying to save the season
The Villanova Wildcats are sixth in the Big East with a 14-11 record and have split the 14 conference games. Villanova was on a five-game losing streak but has won three of the last four games since then and is coming off a 70-54 win over Georgetown. TJ Bamba led the team with 14 points in that one. Eric Dixon leads the Wildcats this season with 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. Villanova is the best free throw shooting team in the league with 81.7% and is ranked 39th in the nation, allowing 69 points per game.
Betting Trends
Butler is 12-13-0 ATS for the season, 4-4-0 ATS on the road and 3-6-0 ATS following a loss. Villanova is 14-11-0 ATS for the season, 7-5-0 ATS at home and 7-6-0 ATS following a win.
Prediction and Conclusion
We are used to watching Villanova go deep in the NCAA tournament, but that may not be the case this season unless this team significantly improves its game. The Wildcats were on a five-game losing streak, and it seemed like they were losing the ground under their feet, but they have regrouped in the past week. One of those losses came against Butler 88-81 in overtime, and it will be a motive plus for a payback. Butler is playing very poorly lately. Villanova simply has to go in full speed and will use the momentum to add another win by covering the -6.5-point spread.
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