The No. 10 Marquette Golden Eagles (18-3, 7-1 Big East) will attempt to prolong their seven-game winning streak against the Butler Bulldogs (12-9, 3-5 Big East) at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The game is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
Marquette Golden Eagles at Butler Bulldogs Free Prediction
The Golden Eagles will be looking for similar success after topping the Xavier Musketeers in their last matchup, 87-82. The Golden Eagles had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 17.5) and had a free throw rate of 0.293 (above their season average of 0.284). Marquette was led by Markus Howard, who was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points on 10-for-22 shooting.
In the Bulldogs’ previous game, they fell to the Creighton Bluejays, 75-61. Creighton’s 22.6 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over Butler, who had a mark of 13.2. The Bluejays’ mark was below their season average of 25.8, while the Bulldogs’ was below their season average of 27.2. Butler’s Kamar Baldwin put together a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 23 points on 8-for-12 shooting.
After the Bulldogs won both matchups against the Golden Eagles last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Butler won 92-72. The Bulldogs’ 32.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Golden Eagles, who had a rate of 17.2.
Butler should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Butler ranks 29th in the country at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while Marquette forces the 64th-fewest turnovers (17.4 percent). Also, the Golden Eagles are among the NCAA’s elite at getting to the line, ranking 35th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.284). The Bulldogs, meanhwile, rank 278th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.258).
Marquette Golden Eagles at Butler Bulldogs Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Marquette, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Marquette ranks 45th in rebounds per game (38.7) while Butler ranks 255th (32.7).
The Golden Eagles rank 25th in blocks per game (4.8) while the Bulldogs rank 178th (2.0).
Butler ranks 41st in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Marquette ranks 174th (7.4).
The Golden Eagles average 24.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 104th in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 114th in three pointers allowed per game (21.6).
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The Golden Eagles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.6, down from 10.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 73.8 points per game (0.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 73.0 points per game (4.8 above their season average).
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