The Saint Louis Billikens (3-3) and the Butler Bulldogs (5-2), who both like to play patient, will go head-to-head at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 127.5 points with Butler set as a 12.5-point favorite. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Butler Bulldogs ATS Preview
In the Billikens last game, they lost to the Western Michigan Broncos, 65-51. Jordan Goodwin put together a solid game for Saint Louis, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds. Western Michigan had an offensive rebounding percentage of 41.9 (above their season average of 32.6). Saint Louis, on the other hand, forced the Broncos into a turnover percentage of 23.0 (above their season average of 14.1).
The Bulldogs will look to keep it rolling after just getting past the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last matchup, 67-66. With 24 points on 9-for-22 shooting, Kelan Martin was the top scorer from either team. The Bulldogs forced 24 turnovers and held the Buckeyes to an offensive rebounding percentage of 20.7 (below their season average of 36.3).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Butler ranks 296th in possessions per game (67.3) and Saint Louis is 330th (65.4) dating back to last season.
Of Saint Louis 4 games with betting action, two have finished over the O/U total, while 4 of Butler’s 6 games have finished under the O/U total. The Bulldogs come into this game with a significant advantage in terms of straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records. They are 5-2 SU and 3-3 ATS, while the Billikens are 3-3 SU and 1-3 ATS.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Butler Bulldogs Odds Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bulldogs rank 38th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Billikens rank 161st (6.3).
- Butler ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Saint Louis ranks 263rd (14.8).
- The Bulldogs rank 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Billikens rank 197th (3.8).
- Butler ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Saint Louis ranks 181st (35.3).
