Presented below are the odds and predictions for the Butler vs. Villanova matchup, along with a comprehensive college basketball betting guide for Tuesday, Feb. 20.
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Butler vs. Villanova
Butler is set to visit Philadelphia in an attempt to secure a season sweep against the Villanova Wildcats. This game holds significant NCAA tournament implications, with Butler currently positioned as the 10th seed according to Bracket Matrix, while Villanova teeters on the edge of the bubble.
A victory for Villanova in this game would tie them with Providence for fifth place in the Big East, while a win for Butler would bring them to a .500 record in conference play. The high stakes provide ample motivation for both teams.
From an Against The Spread (ATS) perspective, Butler and Villanova enter the matchup with different recent trajectories. Butler has failed to cover the closing line in the last three games, whereas Villanova has covered in the past four.
Villanova fans have reason to be optimistic as the game will take place on-campus at Finneran Pavilion, rather than in an NBA arena.
For a more in-depth analysis, the College Basketball Betting Hub offers additional NCAAB previews, predictions, news, and analysis.
The first encounter between Butler and Villanova saw the Bulldogs secure a thrilling victory, defeating Villanova by seven points in double overtime. Butler dominated in rebounding, won the turnover battle, and significantly outperformed Villanova at the foul line, attempting 22 free throws to Nova’s nine.
Key factors in Butler’s victory included effectively containing Villanova’s deadly outside shooters, such as Jahmyl Telfort and DJ Davis. Butler’s offense, known for its efficiency, is expected to perform well again despite playing on the road. The Bulldogs excel in pick-and-roll action, ranking in the top 65 nationally, and demonstrated their prowess in the first game by scoring 1.273 points per possession in ball screens.
Villanova struggled to defend against ball screens throughout the season, and Butler’s multiple ball handlers, including Telfort, Davis, and Posh Alexander, pose a challenging assignment for opposing defenses. The size advantage on paper for Villanova is countered by Butler’s ability to create mismatches, as demonstrated in the first matchup.
Villanova’s Eric Dixon, standing at 6-foot-8, has been a potent weapon at the center position. In the initial game against Butler, Dixon scored 28 points, showcasing his strength and shooting ability. Villanova’s offensive strategy should revolve around utilizing Dixon in various positions on the court.
Villanova’s reliance on three-pointers has been both a strength and a weakness this season. While they rank 14th nationally in 3-point attempt rate, their shooting percentage ranks 202nd nationally. The Cats lead the country in free-throw percentage but surprisingly attempted only nine free throws in the first meeting with Butler.
Considering Butler’s defensive struggles in Big East play, Villanova should focus on attacking the paint through post-ups or dribble penetration instead of settling for outside shots.
In terms of the betting pick and prediction, with both teams excelling in free-throw shooting and ball-handling in the Big East, a clean and closely contested game is expected. The outcome may hinge on three-point shooting and the aggressiveness displayed by each team. The spread, set at six points, reflects the competitive nature of the matchup. Butler has shown its ability to win on the road, and Villanova, despite a recent resurgence, faces questions about trust in their head coach. The game is anticipated to be close, with Villanova ultimately securing the victory while Butler covers the two-possession spread.
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