The No. 5 Butler Bulldogs (15-1, 3-0 Big East) welcome the No. 18 Seton Hall Pirates (12-4, 4-0 Big East) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020.
Seton Hall Pirates at Butler Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The Pirates will be looking for similar success after beating the Marquette Golden Eagles in their last game, 69-55. The Pirates had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 8.2 (better than their season average of 17.4) and held the Golden Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.8 (below their season average of 29.4). Seton Hall was lifted by Myles Powell, who led the team in scoring with 23 points on 8-for-22 shooting.
In the Bulldogs’ previous game, they were victorious over the Providence Friars, 70-58. The Bulldogs, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.541, had an absurd mark of 0.622 and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 27.6). With 17 points and seven rebounds, Kamar Baldwin had a good outing for Butler.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Bulldogs won 70-68. The Bulldogs had a better free throw rate (0.113 vs. 0.069) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.604 vs. 0.552).
This battle pits one of the country’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Butler currently ranks 56th in offensive efficiency and Seton Hall is 35th in defensive efficiency.
Seton Hall vs. Butler ATS Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Seton Hall ranks 43rd in steals per game (8.2) while Butler ranks 221st (4.7).
The Bulldogs rank third in rebounds allowed per game (28.3) while the Pirates rank 181st (36.4).
Seton Hall ranks 10th in blocks per game (6.1) while Butler ranks 159th (2.5).
The Bulldogs are 23rd in the country with 9.9 assists allowed per game while the Pirates are 39th with 10.5 assists allowed per game.
The Pirates’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.0, up from 11.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 67.6 points per game (1.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 54.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
