Butler vs. Xavier Prediction and Odds (Xavier will be too much for Butler)

No. 21 Xavier is coming off an impressive win against a strong Creighton squad, and will now host Butler in a rematch from about a month ago. That game didn’t end so well for Butler, as the Bulldogs will look to continue their new-found winning streak. 

Let’s start with the odds via WynnBET.

Butler vs. Xavier Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Butler +11.5 (-115)
• Xavier -11.5 (-105)

Moneyline:

• Butler +500
• Xavier -710

Total:

• 130.0 (Over -105 | Under -115)

Butler vs. Xavier  Prediction and Pick

Xavier is a balanced team. They don’t rely on any one facet of the game to find success on offense, and they play a good defensive game. They’re 32nd in adjusted offensive efficiency, and 31st in adjusted defensive efficiency. Nothing about this team stands out statistically. They’re just sound across the board.

Butler, on the other hand, does have some deficiencies, especially on offense. They shoot free throws at only 68.2% (263rd), three pointers at only 29.9% (317th), and have an effective field goal percentage of 46.6% (293rd). 

The bulldogs can defend the long ball pretty well, but struggle to defend the interior shot. They allow only a 31.3% three point percentage, but their two point percentage allowed of 51.1% is 242nd. 

Against ranked opponents this year, Butler is 1-7-0 against the spread. Xavier handled Butler last year, and that trend is likely to continue tonight. I’ll back Xavier at home.

Pick: Xavier -11.5 (-105)

You can find all of Jon Helmkamp’s picks here.