The Butler Bulldogs (15-3) visit the Villanova Wildcats (14-3) Tuesday at Finneran Pavilion for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Butler-Villanova odds and betting lines, with college basketball betting advice and tips around this matchup.
Butler at Villanova: Three things you need to know
1. Both Butler and Villanova have lost three times this season while playing similar schedules. The Bulldogs head into Tuesday’s game in Philadelphia off two straight losses — one at home and one on the road. The Wildcats head in on a four-game win streak. ‘Nova has been in some close games, as four of the Wildcats’ last six wins have been played within two scores.
2. Villanova defeated Butler in both of their two head-to-head meetings last season, and the ‘Cats have gotten the best of the ‘Dogs in four of their last five meetings dating back to 2017-18. Over those five meetings, Villanova is 4-1 against the spread.
3. The Wildcats rely on their outside shooting and play at a slower pace. Butler has excelled against such teams this season. The Bulldogs defense is elite; they have held foes to a 43.2% effective field-goal percentage (a rate that accounts for point differential on 2- and 3-pointers).
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Butler at Villanova: Odds, betting lines and picks
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10 a.m. ET.
Prediction
Butler 65, Villanova 63
Moneyline (ML)
BUTLER (+145) is offering good value for the outright win on the moneyline and is worth a shot Tuesday. A $10 bet on the Bulldogs to win on the road will return a profit of $14.50.
Against the Spread (ATS)
‘Nova is undefeated (10-0) at home and 31-15 ATS over its last 46 contests at Finneran Pavilion. Both teams are 2-3 over their last five games overall.
Defense travels, and the Butler defense has held opponents to a 35% field-goal percentage in three of the team’s last five games. Look past Butler’s last two losses … or at least don’t over-emphasize them … and the Bulldogs are a tremendous play plus any points. Take BUTLER (+3.5, -110).
Over/Under (O/U)
The Over is 5-1 in Butler’s last six games vs. a winning team. The Under is 6-1 in Villanova’s last seven overall.
PASS on the Over/Under with the projected total set at 130 (Over: -110, Under: -110). It’s a well-set line with no real edge to be found.
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