College Basketball Predictions: Will Villanova cover vs. Butler? 2/10/18

Butler vs. Villanova Pick

Will No. 1 Villanova avenge its prior loss to Butler when the Wildcats host the Bulldogs today at Noon ET?

According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Villanova is the clear favorite in this game, as the Wildcats are getting odds of -10 points against Butler. The over/under total for the contest has been set at 157.5 points. Today’s game takes place from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and will air live on FOX.

Villanova was shocked at home by St. John’s this week, 79-75. The Red Storm were winless in the Big Ten prior to that. Nova hadn’t lost since falling at Butler on Dec. 30, 101-93. Nova is now 22-2 overall, 9-2 in the Big East and 16-8 against the spread. The Wildcats are averaging 87.9 points per game this season while allowing 70.2 per game. Jalen Brunson is averaging 19.8 points and 4.9 assists per game to lead Villanova while Mikal Bridges is putting up 16.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.

Butler is coming off a loss as well, losing 98-93 in OT to Xavier at home earlier this week. The Bulldogs are now 17-8 overall, 7-5 in the Big East and 13-11 against the spread. Butler is putting up 80.4 points per game this season while allowing 71.7 per contest. Kelan Martin is leading Butler with 20.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game while Kamar Baldwin is adding 15.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per contest.

Bet on Butler vs. Villanova

Butler has won three straight meetings with Villanova while covering the spread in the last four meetings. Sometimes a team just has your number and that may be the case here with Butler. The Bulldogs have covered in four of their last five and playing competitively right now. While Nova should be motivated due to the loss to Butler and the loss to St. John’s, Butler knows the best way to attack the Cats. I don’t feel confident enough about Nova today to give up so many points. The public betting agrees with me, as they like Butler to cover.

 

CBB DAILY PREDICTION: BUTLER +10