The Butler Bulldogs (16-10, 7-8 Big East) travel to face the Villanova Wildcats (14-11, 7-7) in a conference matchup. Butler has lost two in a row, while Villanova has won two in a row. But the home team seems to be riding some momentum, going into this game on Tuesday.
The opponents, not so much, since they have lost three of four. including the previous two at home. Butler did defeat Villanova in double overtime, 88-81, back on January 27th, but this game at Finneran Pavilion could be a revenge game, especially since both teams are fighting for a better position in the Big East tournament.
Butler Bulldogs vs Villanova Wildcats Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
| Butler Bulldogs | +6.5 -110 | O 140 -108 | -220 |
| Villanova Wildcats | -6.5 -110 | U 140 -112 | -270 |
| Odds courtesy of DraftKings |
Fixture: Butler Bulldogs @ Villanova Wildcats
Date and Time: February 20, 2024 @ 6:30 p.m. EST
Location: Finneran Pavilion in Bryn Mawr, PA
Key Stats
Butler Bulldogs (Averages)
Points: 79.3
Points Allowed: 74
Field Goal Efficiency: 45.7
Three-Point Efficiency: 35.7
Free Throw Efficiency: 79.1
Rebounds: 36.3 (10 Offensive, 26.3 Defensive)
Assists: 14.9
Steals:6.3
Blocks: 3.3
Turnovers: 10.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.7%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 32.1%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 72.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.7 Offensive, 25 Defensive, 35.6 Combined
Butler will look to sweep the Villanova Wildcats on Tuesday night. Butler is 3-4 on the road against Big East conference foes, but Villanova is favored at home.
Also, guard, Pierre Brooks leads the Bulldogs in scoring. He had 13 points in the first matchup and overall is averaging 15 points a game. Also, watch out for Dylan Davis, who is averaging 14 points a game for Butler, and is shooting 37% from 3-point range and 97% from the free-throw line.
Villanova Wildcats (averages)
Points: 72.4
Points Allowed: 66
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.5%
Three-Point Efficiency: 33.4%
Free Throw Efficiency: 81.7%
Rebounds: 9.4 Offensive, 26.1 Defensive, 35.5 Combined
Assists: 12.8
Steals: 6
Blocks: 2.3
Turnovers: 9.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.3 %
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 32.2%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 71.6%
Rebounds Against: 8.8 Offensive, 25.4 Defensive, 34.2 Combined
But Villanova needs this win, if they hope to make the tournament. Also, the team has struggled this season, and the student body has been vocal about how unhappy they are with the head coach. The defensive is 2nd in the conference in points allowed, but they are 9th in the conference in scoring. The Wildcats have won their last two home games, and they were in complete domination over the Providence Friars and Seton Hall Pirates.
But to get the victory they will need huge contributions from forward Eric Dixon, who is averaging 16 points and 6 rebounds this season. When Villanova played Butler, Dixon scored 28 points and 6 rebounds. Additionally, they need guard T.J. Bamba to come up big against Butler. He is averaging 11 points a game, and 39% from 3-point range.
Game Prediction
I see Villanova getting payback for the earlier loss to Butler. Although Butler should keep it close early, Nova Nation will be heard in the game. Villanova at home is 8-4, I see the Wildcats covering the spread, and since both Final Prediction
Final Pick
Villanova Wildcats -6.5 and Over 140 (Against the Butler Bulldogs)
About the author
David has been following all types of sports since he was a kid. While Phillies baseball is his primary focus, David can talk about the Flyers, Eagles, 76ers, Union, and college sports. He does computer work in Pennsylvania, and does stats work for another sports company.
Follow him on X at @weightmanstats and follow us at @TotalApexSports
