It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the No. 19 Butler Bulldogs (18-6, 6-5 Big East) welcome the Xavier Musketeers (16-8, 5-6 Big East) to Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game starts at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, and will air on CBS Sports Network.
Xavier Musketeers at Butler Bulldogs ATS Prediction
The Musketeers come in on a high note after beating the Providence Friars in their last game, 64-58. The Musketeers had a better free throw rate (0.200 vs. 0.105) and had a turnover percentage of 11.4 (better than their season average of 16.7). With 14 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Tyrique Jones led Xavier in scoring.
In the Bulldogs’ last game, they were blown out by the Marquette Golden Eagles, 76-57. Getting to the free throw line was one of Marquette’s biggest strengths. They made 28 trips to the line, while Butler went just eight times. Butler’s Kamar Baldwin put together a solid performance, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 10-for-16 shooting.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Bulldogs won the last contest 71-66. The Bulldogs’ 12.8 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Musketeers, who had a rate of 19.0.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jones (15 rebounds,13.0 points,1.8 blocks) has been great for the Musketeers while Baldwin (19 points,5.2 rebounds,4.0 assists) has contributed greatly to the Bulldogs.
Butler could dominate on the defensive side of the ball as they square off against one of the worst offenses in the NCAA. The Bulldogs currently rank 22nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.446), while Xavier is 254th in effective field goal percentage (0.485).
Xavier at Butler Odds Pick
Prediction: ATS Winner – Xavier, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Butler ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while Xavier ranks 173rd (35.6).
The Musketeers rank 169th in steals per game (5.9) while the Bulldogs rank 236th (5.0).
Xavier ranks 179th in three pointers attempted per game (21.2) while Butler ranks 239th (19.1).
The Musketeers rank 75th in blocks per game (3.8) while the Bulldogs rank 91st in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
The Musketeers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 4.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (2.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.2 points per game (12.0 above their season average).