Butler put the college basketball world on notice with its most recent victory over then No. 1-ranked Villanova but bettors should have been paying attention to the Bulldogs for nearly a month. Butler has gone OVER in its past seven outings thanks to an offense that is averaging 89.6 points in that span. Could another huge upset be in the works when Butler travels to take on the No. 5 Xavier Musketeers on Tuesday?
Butler’s offense has started to lean heavily toward the deep ball through the month of December, with the Bulldogs averaging 22 three-point attempts per game while draining them at a 42 percent rate. The emergence of George Washington transfer Paul Jorgensen has been a big reason for this offensive shift, as the guard paces the team in three-point percentage and is second in makes.
Xavier is riding an eight-game winning streak heading into this contest but it has not always been pretty. The Musketeers needed big comebacks vs East Tennessee State, Marquette and DePaul. Trevon Bluiett and J.P. Macura get the attention – and rightfully so – but Xavier features six other players who average at least 7.6 points per game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the Xavier Musketeers as 7-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook OVER/UNDER total value at Sportsbook.
Butler Bulldogs vs Xavier Musketeers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Xavier Musketeers sit at 14-1 (11-4 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the Butler Bulldogs are currently 12-3 (8-6 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Xavier is 10-5 OU, and Butler is 9-5 OU.
According to new college basketball power rankings here at OddsShark, it's the No. 44-ranked Musketeers and the No. 8-rated Bulldogs in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Butler is ranked No. 173 in NCAA basketball at 35.27 per game. Contrast that with Xavier's No. 45 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Xavier is the No. 149-ranked team in the country at 7.53 treys per game, while Butler rates No. 134 at 7.87 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Bulldogs grabbed a 101-93 win over the Wildcats on Saturday, behind a 24-point effort from Kelan Martin at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
J.P. Macura scored 19 points leading the Musketeers to a 77-72 victory over DePaul at Cintas Center on Saturday.
Next Betting Matchups
Butler home to Seton Hall, Saturday, January 6
Xavier at Providence, Saturday, January 6