Though Villanova is the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, a victory by Xavier on Tuesday would – even if briefly – vault the Musketeers over the Wildcats. However, the Musketeers need to pack their bags to take on a Butler Bulldogs team that is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games at Hinkle Fieldhouse as a favorite.
- Xavier is 13-3 ATS in its last 16 games against Butler.
- Xavier is 6-2 SU and ATS in its last 8 games on the road.
- Butler is 10-1 SU and 9-2 ATS in its last 11 games as home favorites.
That being said, Xavier has been one of the few teams that has traveled well to the Fieldhouse with the Musketeers going a respectable 3-3 SU in their past six at Butler.
Xavier comes into this contest riding a six-game winning streak that has seen the team topple two ranked opponents. The biggest improvement has come on the defensive end – despite a couple of mediocre performances – with the Musketeers holding opponents to 70 or fewer points in four of those six wins. Of course, the team is still humming offensively but would like to see more consistency out of Trevon Bluiett. The senior’s three-point shot is the foundation of his game but he has had some downright terrible performances from deep mixed in with the good.
Much like Xavier, Butler is riding a winning streak thanks to its defense. The Bulldogs have won four straight while holding three of their four opponents under 70 points, though it is worth noting they played lowly DePaul twice in that span. Kelan Martin is the focal point of Butler’s offense with the senior pacing the team in shots, points and rebounds. Martin also put up 25 points vs Xavier in their first meeting this season despite shooting a dreadful 2-for-10 from deep.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Betting fans looking to back the Xavier Musketeers before tipoff in this one found them as 2.5-point underdogs over at Sportsbook earlier.
Xavier Musketeers vs Butler Bulldogs Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Xavier Musketeers will try to spoil the party and cover the point spread on Tuesday; they are 16-8 against the betting line this season, while the Butler Bulldogs are 13-10 ATS. The Musketeers are 13-11 on betting the total; the Bulldogs are 13-10.
This college basketball game matches up the No. 40 (Butler) and the No. 83 (Xavier) teams in the league, according to our current NCAA basketball power rankings.
Statistical Matchup
Rebounding is always a key handicapping betting consideration and Xavier is ranked No. 32 in NCAA basketball at 39 per game. Contrast that with Butler's No. 166 mark in the paint. When it comes to three-point shooting, Butler is the No. 124-ranked team in the country at 7.88 treys per game, while Xavier rates No. 123 at 7.88 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Trevon Bluiett went off for 31 points and added four rebounds for good measure, leading Xavier to a 96-91 win over Georgetown University on Saturday at Cintas Center.
The battle between the Bulldogs and Blue Demons didnt turn out to be much of a battle at all as DePaul was handed a 80-57 defeat on Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
- Xavier is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games
- Xavier is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Xavier's last 8 games
- Xavier is 11-4 ATS in its last 15 games on the road
- Butler is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games
- Butler is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone OVER in 11 of Butler's last 16 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Butler's last 5 games
Next Betting Matchups
Xavier at Creighton, Saturday, February 10
Butler at Villanova, Saturday, February 10
