It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the No. 16 Butler Bulldogs (17-4, 5-3 Big East) welcome the Providence Friars (11-10, 4-4 Big East) to Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 1, 2020.
Providence Friars at Butler Bulldogs Betting Prediction
In the Friars’ last outing, they were topped by the No. 9 Villanova Wildcats, 64-60. Villanova’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Providence. The Wildcats had a rate of 0.500 (below their season average of 0.525), while the Friars posted a mark of 0.341 (below their season average of 0.464). Nate Watson was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The Bulldogs beat the Georgetown Hoyas in their last outing, 69-64. Butler held the Hoyas to an effective field goal percentage of 0.373 (below their season average of 0.507). Georgetown, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 16.6). Sean McDermott was the game’s high scorer with 25 points on 9-for-12 shooting from the field.
From an effective field goal percentage perspective, Butler figures to have a noteworthy edge. The Bulldogs defense ranks 15th in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.436), while the Providence offense is ranked 328th in effective field goal percentage (0.458). Moreover, the Friars, who rank 34th in offensive rebounding percentage (34.1 percent), will face a tough test against the Bulldogs, who rank 36th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.1 percent).
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Alpha Diallo scored a game-high 21 points in the first game, in which the Friars lost 70-58. The Bulldogs had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.622 vs. 0.367) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 24.4).
Providence Friars vs. Butler Bulldogs ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Providence, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Butler ranks 13th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while Providence ranks 215th (36.8).
The Friars rank 19th in steals per game (8.9) while the Bulldogs rank 217th (5.0).
Providence averages 22.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 127th in the nation. Butler ranks 136th in three pointers allowed per game (21.8).
The Friars rank 88th in blocks per game (3.6) while the Bulldogs rank 94th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
Providence averages 14.9 assists per game, which ranks 55th in the NCAA. Butler ranks 56th in assists allowed per game (11.1).
The Friars have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Providence has defeated opponents by an average of 4.1 points.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (1.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 76.4 points per game (16.8 above their season average).