The Butler Bulldogs (8-3) welcome the UC Irvine Anteaters (11-2) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against superb defense. The game begins at 6:30 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
UC Irvine Anteaters at Butler Bulldogs Free Prediction
The Anteaters will be looking for a similar result after thoroughly outplaying the Idaho Vandals in their last matchup, 86-68. The Anteaters had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (48.4 vs. 18.2) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.603 vs. 0.545). With 18 points on 8-for-12 shooting, Eyassu Worku was the top scorer from either team.
The last time the Bulldogs were in action, they dismantled the Miami (OH) RedHawks, 90-68. The Bulldogs had a much better free throw rate (0.207 vs. 0.095) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (46.2 vs. 23.5). With 17 points and seven rebounds, Paul Jorgensen had a solid game for Butler.
Jorgensen and Kamar Baldwin have played well over the last five games for Butler. Jorgensen has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Baldwin has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of Butler takes on the top-notch defense of UC Irvine. The Bulldogs rank 36th in offensive efficiency, while the Anteaters are 45th in defensive efficiency.
UC Irvine Anteaters at Butler Bulldogs Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UC Irvine, ATS Winner – UC Irvine, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
UC Irvine ranks 30th in rebounds per game (40.2) while Butler ranks 209th (32.7).
The Bulldogs rank 72nd in three pointers attempted per game (24.9) while the Anteaters rank 235th (18.5).
UC Irvine ranks 37th in blocks per game (4.6) while Butler ranks 164th (2.0).
The Anteaters are 19th in the country with 9.8 assists allowed per game while the Bulldogs are 27th with 10.4 assists allowed per game.
Butler ranks 30th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while UC Irvine ranks 33rd (5.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Anteaters’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 14.8, up from 8.5 for the season.
During their last five games, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 81.0 points per game (5.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
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