A five-game home winning streak hangs in the balance for the Butler Bulldogs (6-2) when they challenge the Utah Runnin’ Utes (6-1) at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Butler is a 5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 139.5 points. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 5, 2017.
Utah Runnin’ Utes vs. Butler Bulldogs Betting Preview
In the Runnin’ Utes last game, they easily got past the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, 80-60. With 16 points and five rebounds, David Collette had a good performance for Utah. Utah dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.393 (above their season average of 0.257) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.4 (above their season average of 28.6). Hawaii recorded marks of 0.159 and 20.5, respectively, for those same stats.
The Bulldogs hope to keep it rolling after thoroughly outplaying the Saint Louis Billikens in their last outing, 75-45. With 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting, Kelan Martin led Butler in scoring. Butler dominated every stat category in the game. They had a great offensive rebounding percentage of 32.1 (above their season average of 26.8) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.566 (above their season average of 0.499). Saint Louis put up marks of 17.9 and 0.327, respectively, for those same stats.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Butler takes on the elite defense of Utah. Since last season, the Bulldogs rank 51st in offensive efficiency, while the Runnin’ Utes are 28th in defensive efficiency.
Games including these teams tend to finish under the projected point total. Utah games have finished under 60.0 percent of the time, while 71.4 percent of Butler games have gone under. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Runnin’ Utes have a clear advantage. They are 6-1 SU and 4-1 ATS, while the Bulldogs are 6-2 SU and 4-3 ATS.
The Bulldogs won the lone game against the Runnin’ Utes last season, 68-59. Butler’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over Utah. The Bulldogs had a rate of 0.575 while the Runnin’ Utes posted a mark of 0.394.
Utah Runnin’ Utes at Butler Bulldogs Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Bulldogs are 19th in the nation with 10.8 assists allowed per game while the Runnin’ Utes are 28th with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
- Utah ranks 53rd in rebounds per game (38.5) while Butler ranks 298th (32.3).
- The Bulldogs rank 31st in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Runnin’ Utes rank 179th (6.4).
- Butler ranks 27th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Utah ranks 107th (3.2).
