In an exciting Big East showdown, the Butler Bulldogs will face off against the Villanova Wildcats on Wednesday night at Finneran Pavilion, with the game scheduled to tip-off at 7 p.m. ET on FS1. Currently, Villanova is favored by 10.5 points, carrying -600 moneyline odds, and the total points for the game is set at 146.5.
Butler comes into this game with a record of 15-13, after previously sneaking past Providence in a double-overtime nail-biter. However, they faced a tough stretch, dropping five consecutive Big East games before rallying with victories against Seton Hall, DePaul, and Marquette. Recently, they’ve scored wins against Georgetown and Xavier but faced challenges in their overall shooting performance. Standout player Finley Bizjack has raised his scoring average to 17.5 points per game, despite seeing a dip in his three-point shooting percentage. Michael Ajayi, a Gonzaga transfer, is making an impact with averages of 16.0 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. As a unit, Butler ranks among the top teams for free throw attempts and scores one of the highest averages in the Big East.
On the other side, Villanova, boasting a strong record of 21-6, recently had its six-game winning streak snapped against UConn but remains a formidable opponent. The Wildcats have been consistent, with their only major hiccups occurring against top-ranked teams. In their first meeting this season, Villanova defeated Butler decisively, 85-67. The team has four starters averaging between 12.1 and 13.8 points per game, making them a balanced scoring threat. Their backcourt is particularly potent, pushing the pace and shooting proficiently from beyond the arc. Villanova ranks well in several categories, including assists and three-point shooting percentage, but struggles with defensive rebounds.
The previous matchup saw Villanova dominate, and the Wildcats have shown they can perform effectively at home. They have won their last four home games as favorites by varying margins, illustrating their consistency. In contrast, Butler has struggled on the road, losing their previous three away games by sizable margins. This suggests that Villanova’s efficient offense could reverse Butler’s recent gains.
As the two teams meet again, fans can anticipate a competitive clash, with Butler attempting to gain momentum and Villanova aiming to maintain their strong performance. The implications of this matchup are significant in the context of the Big East standings, where both teams seek to solidify their positioning. With the stakes high, this game promises to deliver excitement and intensity for college basketball fans.