The Saint Louis Billikens (3-3) head to Butler to play the Bulldogs (5-2) in what should be a low-scoring game. The game gets underway at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Butler is a 12.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 127.5 points.
Saint Louis Billikens at Butler Bulldogs ATS Prediction
In the Billikens’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Western Michigan Broncos, 65-51. Western Michigan’s 41.9 offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Saint Louis, who had a rate of 27.0. The Broncos’ mark was above their season average of 32.6, while the Billikens’ was below their season average of 35.0. Saint Louis’ Jordan Goodwin put together a good outing, contributing 13 points and seven rebounds.
The Bulldogs edged the Ohio State Buckeyes in their last matchup, 67-66. Butler’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Ohio State. The Bulldogs had a rate of 15.3 (worse than their season average of 15.1), while the Buckeyes posted a mark of 28.6 (above their season average of 16.1). Kelan Martin was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points on 9-for-22 shooting.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams face off. Butler ranks 296th in possessions per game (67.3) and Saint Louis is 330th (65.4) since the 2016-17 season.
Saint Louis holds records of 3-3 straight up (SU) and 1-3 against the spread (ATS). There does not appear to be a trend for games involving the Billikens in regards to the O/U total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under.
Meanwhile, Butler is 5-2 SU and 3-3 ATS. Vegas tends to place the total high when the Bulldogs are involved, as four of their 4 games have gone under the O/U total.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Butler Bulldogs ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Butler, ATS Winner – Butler, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Butler ranks 22nd in assists allowed per game (11.0) while Saint Louis ranks 263rd (14.8).
The Bulldogs rank 30th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Billikens rank 197th (3.8).
Butler ranks 24th in rebounds allowed per game (31.7) while Saint Louis ranks 181st (35.3).
The Bulldogs rank 38th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Billikens rank 161st (6.3).
