The No. 10 Villanova Wildcats (17-4, 7-2 Big East) head to Butler to take on the No. 19 Bulldogs (17-5, 5-4 Big East) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The Wildcats are trying to rebound after their 76-61 loss to the Creighton Bluejays in their last matchup. Creighton’s 0.605 effective field goal percentage was their largest strength over Villanova, who had a mark of 0.418. The Bluejays’ mark was above their season average of 0.540, while the Wildcats’ was below their season average of 0.526. Collin Gillespie led Villanova in scoring with 18 points on 8-for-18 shooting.
In the Bulldogs’ previous game, they lost to the Providence Friars, 65-61. Providence’s 17.5 turnover percentage was the team’s largest strength over Butler, who had a mark of 20.4. The Friars’ mark was worse than their season average of 15.7, while the Bulldogs’ was above their season average of 15.8. With 14 points on 4-for-15 shooting, Kamar Baldwin was Butler’s high scorer.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams clash. Butler ranks 345th in possessions per game (64.1) and Villanova is 267th (67.7). Also, the 55th-ranked offense of the Wildcats (offensive efficiency of 109.2) will battle against the 26th-ranked defense of the Bulldogs (defensive efficiency of 91.1).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Bryce Nze recorded 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in the first game, in which the Bulldogs lost 76-61. The Wildcats made 21 of their 23 free throws (91.3 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (28.2 vs. 22.0).
Villanova Wildcats vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Villanova, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Villanova ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.1) while Butler ranks 220th (19.4).
The Wildcats rank 49th in assists per game (14.9) while the Bulldogs rank 151st (13.0).
Butler ranks 15th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while Villanova ranks 100th (34.2).
The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.0, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 69.2 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.8 points per game (13.9 above their season average).
