It will be a battle between Big East opponents when the Georgetown Hoyas (15-8, 5-5 Big East) welcome the Butler Bulldogs (13-10, 4-6 Big East) to Capital One Arena. The game begins at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Butler Bulldogs at Georgetown Hoyas Betting Prediction
In the Bulldogs’ last game, they defeated the Seton Hall Pirates, 70-68. The Bulldogs had a better free throw rate (0.113 vs. 0.069) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.604 (above their season average of 0.529). Nate Fowler played a pivotal role for Butler with 15 points.
The Hoyas defeated the Providence Friars in their last matchup, 76-67. The Hoyas, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6, had a fantastic mark of 44.4, while the Friars had a free throw rate of 0.194 (below their season average of 0.262). Josh LeBlanc was Georgetown’s top scorer with 17 points on 5-for-8 shooting from the field.
This will be the second game of the season between these two squads. In the first, Greg Malinowski scored a game-high 26 points and the Hoyas topped the Bulldogs 84-76. He also recorded seven rebounds. Georgetown had a much better free throw rate (0.353 vs. 0.096). Butler, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 15.2).
It will be a battle of opposite paces as the fast-breaking Hoyas will look to push more half-court-oriented Butler. The Hoyas rank 18th in possessions per game while the Bulldogs are 310th. Ball security should be an advantage for the Bulldogs. They rank 29th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 16.2 percent), while the Hoyas force the 38th-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 16.4 percent).
Butler Bulldogs at Georgetown Hoyas ATS Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Georgetown ranks 18th in rebounds per game (40.3) while Butler ranks 255th (32.3).
The Bulldogs rank 47th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while the Hoyas rank 208th (14.7).
Butler ranks 37th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while Georgetown ranks 196th (8.0).
The Bulldogs rank 81st in three pointers attempted per game (24.7) while the Hoyas rank 240th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
Georgetown ranks 48th in blocks per game (4.2) while Butler ranks 191st (2.1).
Bettings Trends:
The Bulldogs have been outscored by an average of 5.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Butler has defeated opponents by an average of 4.2 points.
During their last five games, the Hoyas have scored an average of 79.4 points per game (2.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.2 points per game (0.4 below their season average).
+++++