Bulldogs vs. Friars Prediction
The 24th-ranked Butler Bulldogs are slight favorites today in the Big East Conference Tournament quarterfinals versus the Providence Friars. Is Butler going to rise to the occasion this afternoon?
Game Snapshot
695 Butler Bulldogs vs. 696 Providence Friars
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Madison Square Garden at 2:30PM ET
TV: FS1
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According to oddsmakers, the Bulldogs are a 1-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 129.5 points. As of Thursday morning, 58 percent of public bets are being placed on Providence. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for up-to-date information.
Baldwin lifts Bulldogs
Kamar Baldwin hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1.2 seconds remaining Saturday night to send Butler to a thrilling 72-71 victory at Xavier. The Bulldogs (22-9, 10-8 Big East) were outscored 44-43 in the second half, but were ultimately able to carve out the win. Baldwin paced Butler with 36 points on 13-of-25 shooting including 5-of-7 from 3-point distance plus 5-of-6 at the free throw line. He also tallied six rebounds and three assists. Aaron Thompson added 12 points, five steals, two boards and two dimes.
Friars win sixth straight
Providence crushed visiting DePaul to the tune of 93-55 Saturday to improve to 19-12 overall and 12-6 in conference action. The Friars raced out to a 55-25 halftime advantage en route to the triumph. A.J. Reeves led Providence with 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting including 4-of-8 from 3-point range plus 3-of-5 at the charity stripe. He also notched seven rebounds and two assists. Nate Watson accounted for 18 points and eight boards. Alpha Diallo registered 17 points, eight caroms and four dimes. David Duke had 16 points, four steals and three rebounds. Luwane Pipkins added 12 points, five assists and four steals.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Butler
The Bulldogs are 4-1 ATS in their last five games overall. Butler is 46-20-2 ATS in its last 68 neutral site games.
Providence
The Friars are 6-0 ATS in their last six games overall. Providence is 0-5 ATS in its last five neutral site games.
Prediction:
The season series was split, with each team winning on the road. Both teams are playing solid basketball coming in but the better overall team is the Bulldogs. While Providence is solid defensively, it has some offensive deficiencies that can be exploited. Butler is the much more efficient offensive team and its defense does not rank too far behind the Friars in the grand scheme of things. Look for Butler to convert a little better down the strech and get the job done here.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: BUTLER BULLDOGS -1