Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs 1/13/23 – Villanova will travel to Indiana to face Butler in Big East action. After a 2022 appearance in the Final Four, Villanova has struggled to find its feet this season, following Jay Wright’s retirement as head coach and losing several key players from last year. With a record of 10-8 overall, Butler has done slightly better heading into this matchup in accordance with NCAAB betting sites.
Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs
Date & Time: Friday, January 13, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET
Location: Hinkle Fieldhouse
Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs Odds
Villanova
Moneyline: +103
Spread: +1 (-105)
Total: 133.5 over (-105)
Butler
Moneyline: -113
Spread: -1 (-105)
Total: 133.5 under (-105)
Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs Analysis
In recent years, the Villanova Wildcats are not used to this situation. The team is currently at 8-9, just one game below 500, and the Big East perennial power is only 2-4 in conference play. The Wildcats led by one point at halftime but were trailed by DePaul by 31-30. DePaul’s early second-half surge saw them lose 75-65 on the road. Eric Dixon scored 22 points for Villanova and grabbed 10 rebounds. Cam Whitmore added 16 points. Villanova’s 22-game winning streak against DePaul was ended by this loss.
Villanova’s offense was one of the best in the country, but they are not as efficient this season. They still protect the basketball and rank 13th in the nation in turnovers. They score at the 153rd percentile in the country. The Wildcats boasted several three-point shooters last season that were a major strength from the perimeter. Villanova is currently ranked 208th nationally in 3pt shooting. The Wildcats rank 141st for scoring defense. They rank 235th nationally in defending the 3pt shot, and 277th in rebounding.
The Butler Bulldogs had a record of 8-3 in non-conference play going into the Big East schedule. Butler is currently just 2-5 in Big East play. After losing two games on a road trip through the metro area, Butler returns home to lose both. They lost first to Seton Hall, then they lost Tuesday night to St. John’s, 77-61. Halftime was a loss for the Bulldogs, who were down 10 points and could not recover. The Bulldogs were down 10 points at halftime and never recovered. Butler had 22 turnovers that night. Chuck Harris led the Bulldogs with 17 points. He was also 4-of-7 from the 3pt range. Simus Lukosius contributed 15 points, while Ali Ali scored 10 to complete the double digit scorers for Butler. At halftime, Butler was trailing by 8 points.
Given the history of coming from behind, Butler will want to make a quick start in this matchup. The Bulldogs are the 199th-ranked scoring offense. They shoot better from long distance than Villanova, which is ranked 154th for 3pt shooting. They are less efficient at basketball but are above average in terms of turnovers. Butler is 77th in scoring defense. The Bulldogs have the best defense against 3pt shots, ranking 77th in the country. Butler, who is ranked 290th nationally, isn’t as strong on the glass as Villanova.
Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs Against the Spread
Villanova are 6-12 ATS in their last 18 games. The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Villanova’s last 7 games. Villanova are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games. Villanova are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games against Butler. Villanova are 8-2 SU in their last 10 games against Butler. The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Villanova’s last 6 games on the road. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Villanova’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Butler.
Butler are 1-5-1 ATS in their last 7 games. The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Butler’s last 7 games. Butler are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games. The total has gone OVER in 6 of Butler’s last 6 games against Villanova. Butler are 7-2 SU in their last 9 games at home. The total has gone OVER in 5 of Butler’s last 5 games when playing at home against Villanova.
Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs Free Pick
Villanova averages just 32 points per halftime, while the Bulldogs average nearly 34 points. Butler is also a better 3-ball shooter than Villanova and has a harder defense. Villanova is just the 235th most efficient in defending against 3pt shots as per latest NCAAB stats so Butler should use that advantage to win.
Free Pick: Butler
