The Marquette Golden Eagles (14-5, 4-3 Big East), 5.5-point underdogs, will be at Hinkle Fieldhouse to clash against the 13th-ranked Butler Bulldogs (15-4, 3-3 Big East) in a Big East matchup. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 137 points and action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, January 24, 2020.
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Butler Bulldogs ATS Odds
The Golden Eagles were victorious over the St. John’s Red Storm in their last contest, 82-68, covering as 8-point favorites. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, were beaten by the ninth-ranked Villanova Wildcats, 76-61, and were not able to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Marquette game finished 2.5 points over the projected point total of 147.5, while the Butler game finished 8 points over the projected point total of 129.
The Golden Eagles made 26 of their 33 free throws (78.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.549 (above their season average of 0.516). Butler, meanwhile, had a turnover percentage of 6.9 (better than their season average of 16.3). Butler was led by Bryce Nze, who contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Meanwhile, Markus Howard had a good outing for Marquette, finishing with 32 points and six rebounds.
The Golden Eagles dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the last matchup, Marquette won 79-69. Marquette’s 0.246 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Butler, who had a rate of 0.183. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Games including the Golden Eagles have typically finished over the total (57.9 percent). Marquette comes into the contest with records of 14-5 straight up (SU) and 11-8 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Marquette, Bulldogs games have typically gone under the total (55.6 percent). Moreover, Butler is 15-4 SU and 11-7 ATS.
This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defensesButler ranks 56th in effective field goal percentage (0.532), while Marquette is 32nd in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.447).
Marquette Golden Eagles vs. Butler Bulldogs Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Butler ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while Marquette ranks 166th (35.8).
- The Golden Eagles rank 33rd in blocks per game (4.7) while the Bulldogs rank 151st (2.6).
- Marquette averages 25.3 three pointers per game, which ranks 61st in the country. Butler ranks 127th in three pointers allowed per game (21.3).
- Marquette is 4-4 ATS on the road, while Butler is 6-3 ATS at home.
- The Golden Eagles have 5 overs, 2 unders and 1 push in 8 road games.
- Of the Bulldogs’ 9 home games, they have 6 unders and 3 overs.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Marquette and Butler have both had 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Golden Eagles are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Bulldogs are 2-3.
- During their last five games, the Golden Eagles have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (0.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
- The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Butler has defeated opponents by an average of 10.3 points.
