CBB Predictions: Can Butler cover the 3.5-point spread vs. Cincinnati?

Cincinnati vs. Butler Pick

Two non-conference foes meet up today when No. 16 Butler faces No. 22 Cincinnati at 4:30PM ET. Who has the edge in the meeting?

According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Butler is favored at home in this game, as the Bulldogs are getting odds of -3.5 points against Cincinnati. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 129 points. These two met last season, with Butler picking up a 78-76 win at Cincinnati as a 5.5-point underdog.

Bet on Cincinnati vs. Butler

Butler saw its perfect season end earlier this week in a 72-71 loss at Indiana State. The Bulldogs are now 8-1 on the year and 5-3 against the spread. They have been the favorite in every game they have played. Butler is putting up 78 points per game on the season while giving up just 61.7 points per contest. Butler has won behind a good balance of scoring throughout the roster. Kelan Martin is the clear leader, averaging 17.4 points per game, but five others are averaging at least 8.3 points per contest.

Cincinnati has won five straight coming into today. Their lone loss on the season came back on Nov. 19 in a 76-71 loss to Rhode Island. The Bearcats are 7-1 overall and 5-2 against the spread. They are also 1-0 ATS in the lone game as an underdog. Cincinnati has a great defense that is holding opponents to 58.1 points per game, while the offense is averaging 75.1 points per game. Kyle Washington is putting up 17.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game to lead Cincy while Jacob Evans is averaging 15.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

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Cincinnati looks like it could be a pretty good team, but I like what Butler has in team depth. Washington will be a handful for the Bulldogs to deal with, but Butler has a lot of scoring options to counter. That should also apply on defense where Butler can mix in more players to keep guys fresh while battling inside with Cincinnati’s frontcourt.

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: BUTLER -3.5