Butler at Providence Analysis & Total Pick

Butler (11-10 SU 11-9 ATS) vs. Providence (15-5 SU 12-8 ATS)
When: Wednesday, January 25th: 8:30 ET
Where: Amica Mutual Pavilion Providence, RI
TV: FS1
Point Spread: BU +9.5/Prov -9.5 (Stop betting at -110 odds! Start laying only -105 at BAS!)
Total: 139.0
Money Line: Butler Bulldogs +371/Providence Friars -503

The Butler Bulldogs hit the road to take on the Providence Friars, who are a perfect 11-0 at home this season. The college hoops board lists the Friars as a substantial -10 spread favorite, but that not be enough to back the Bulldogs, who have been outmatched in recent losses. The tip-off for tonight’s game at the Amica Mutual Pavilion is set for 8:30 PM ET and can be watched on FS1.

Line Movement

This line opened with Providence a large -9.5 favorite and has climbed as high as -10.5 on some boards with a flood of public action plus some sharp money. The total was offered at 139.5 at the opening and has fallen half a point to 139.

Last Game Info

Butler most recently fell to Connecticut (86-56). Not only did the Bulldogs lose straight-up, but they picked up an ATS defeat as +15 point underdogs. The combined 142 points finished above the 137 total line.

Providence picked up a victory over DePaul by a score of 75-64. Heading into the game, the Friars were favored to win, with a point spread of -9.5. The combined 139 points did not surpass the 145.5 total line.

Current Form

Butler
Over their last five games, Butler has a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 1-4 vs. the spread. Over this stretch, the Bulldogs’ offense averages 59.8 points per game while hitting 38.3% of their shots from the field. On the defensive end of the floor, they have allowed opponents to shoot 50.5% from the field while allowing 76.6 points per contest.

Providence
In their previous five contests, Providence is 3-2 straight-up and 3-2 vs. the spread. In these five games, they have a scoring average of 74.6 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.9%. Defensively, they allow teams to hit 46.2% of their shots while giving up 72.2 points per game.

Average Power Rating Of Opponents Played

This season, the combined power rating of Butler’s opponents comes in at 79.9. On the other side, Providence’s combined opponent power rating sits at 78.1.

How Does Butler Fare On The Road?

For the season, the Bulldogs have played nine road games and have a record of 3-6. In these contests, Butler is 3-6 vs. the spread. Offensively, they have averaged 63.1 points per game on a shooting percentage of 40.8%. On defense, the Bulldogs allow 70.6 points per contest when playing away from home. So far, opposing teams have a field goal percentage of 45.5% in these games.

How Does Providence Fare At Home?

In their 11 games at home, Providence has a 7-5 record vs. the spread while going 11-0 straight-up. On offense, the Friars are shooting 47.3% on their home floor, leading to 83.6 points per game. Defensively, opponents are shooting 42.0% in these contests. The Providence defense is allowing 68.3 points per game at home.

Offense vs. Defense

For the season, Butler is averaging 63.8 points per game (411th) while posting an overall field goal percentage of 41.6%. In today’s game, they will be matched up against a Providence defense that has allowed an average of 68.8 points per contest. This year, opponents have hit 42.9% of their shots vs. Providence. On the other side, the Providence Friars are coming into the game averaging 71.8 points per game on a shooting percentage of 43.7%. The Friars will be facing a defensive unit allowing an average of 67.5 points per contest. So far, teams have hit 44.2% of their shots vs. the Bulldogs.

Three-Point Shooting

From beyond the arc, Butler has a shooting percentage of 30.5% while ranking 312th in attempts per game. The Bulldogs will be facing a Providence defense that has a 3-point field goal shooting percentage allowed of 32.5%. Providence enters the game having hit 34.3% of their looks from deep while averaging 7.3 made 3’s per game. On the other end, Butler has allowed opponents to hit 32.2% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Injuries Of Note

Butler

• Manny Bates (Questionable) Knee
• John-Michael Mulloy (Out) Ankle

Providence

• Jared Bynum (Questionable) Abdominal

Pick Against The Line

Providence won by 20 (72-52) on the road at the Hinkle Fieldhouse in the last meeting, and they certainly could win by double digits again this time around. Both teams are dealing with injuries to top players, with Providence likely without their best playmaker, Jared Bynum, and Butler, likewise, probably without their best scorer and rebounder, Center Manny Bates. Both were key in the previous game. Bynum spread the ball around with seven assists and added 11 points, while Bates tied for the team lead in scoring with 12 points and five boards. If Jared Bynum doesn’t play, the Bulldogs could keep Providence around 70, and I certainly don’t see Butler doing any better than around 60 without Bates in the lineup. Take the Under 139. Bet your college basketball predictions for FREE this week by scoring a 50% real cash bonus up to $250 by playing at the web’s best sportsbook! It’s where we play! —-> Bovada Sportsbook (Live wagering platform is INCREDIBLE!)