Butler Bulldogs Host the Western Illinois Leathernecks in NCAA College Basketball Action

Basketball betting fans will hope to hit paydirt on Thursday when the Butler Bulldogs try to run the Western Illinois Leathernecks off the court at Hinkle Fieldhouse in college hoops action.

Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick

Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the Butler Bulldogs betting line as -18-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook over/under total value at Sportsbook.

Western Illinois Leathernecks vs Butler Bulldogs Matchup

Team Betting Records & Power Rankings

The Western Illinois Leathernecks will try to spoil to the party and cover the point spread on Thursday; they are 5-2 ATS against the betting line this season, while the Butler Bulldogs are 6-5 ATS. Western Illinois Leathernecks are 4-3 on betting the total; Butler Bulldogs are 6-5.

The Odds Shark Power Rankings have the Butler Bulldogs at No. 57 and the Western Illinois Leathernecks at No. 201 heading into this college basketball betting matchup.

Statistical Matchup

Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Western Illinois is ranked No. 103 in NCAA basketball at 37.6 per game. Contrast that with Butler's No. 196 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Butler is the No. 194-ranked team in the country at 6.83 per game, while Western Illinois rates No. 72 at 8.8 per game.

Recent Outings Betting Recap

Kobe Webster scored 16 points in a futile effort to lead the Leathernecks to a win (they lost 78-77 to Eastern Illinois at Lantz Arena on Tuesday).

Kelan Martin scored 20 points and helped out with 10 rebounds for Butler on Tuesday, leading the Bulldogs to a 85-69 victory over Morehead State at Hinkle Fieldhouse.

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