Butler vs Creighton Prediction

The game will take place at 6:00 pm. The Butler Bulldogs (10-14) will be facing the Creighton Bluejays (18-7) in New York City at Madison Square Garden. These two squads met not too long ago on March 6th with Creighton breezing to the finish line 93-73. The Bluejays were 11.5 points favorites in the last clash, as they covered easily.

The Bulldogs also beat Creighton in their first matchup 70-66. However, it’s important to note that Creighton was able to pull off a big win without their head coach Greg McDermott who was suspended. Butler also came from down 40-26 to beat Xavier in overtime 70-69. Butler has proven to be a tough out in the month of March over the years.

TIME TO SETTLE THE SEASON SERIES

Both of these have a preference for shooting from the perimeter rather than going inside the paint. On defense, both squads are similar as they surrender more shots from behind the arc.

The Bulldogs have shot 41.2% from the field this season which is good for 298th in the nation and 32.2% from the three-point line which is rated 250th in the country. On the other hand, the Bluejays have been very lethal on the court, shooting 48.2% which is ranked number 26. They are a very strong team in the three-point shooting category as they shoot from 36.8% from that range which is ranked 50th.

Creighton is one of the better teams when it comes down to offensive rebounds; however the Bluejays struggle to get second-chance points and is considered to be somewhat below-average when it comes down to the second-chance conversion percentage, they are nationally rated #245 in that department.

Butler should have a slight advantage in the rebounding aspect when Creighton has the ball. Butler has been a solid team this year by being above-average on the defensive glass. They are as proficient in preventing their opponents from scoring via putbacks. The Bulldogs are ranked #71 in the NCAA in defensive second-chance conversion rate which will be key in keeping the game close.

Both teams almost have identical statistics when it comes to converting at the free-throw line. The Bluejays are ranked three spots higher, ranking near the bottom in the NCAA (328th vs 331th).

Creighton averages 78.4 points per game while their defense is giving up 69.1 points per game. The Bulldogs are averaging 63.6 points per game while their defense is giving up 67.9 points per game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Creighton’s leading scorer so far this season has been Marcus Zegarowski, who has scored 15.4 PPG and shooting 39.5% from downtown for the #17 Bluejays. He has been a threat in the Big East this season as he may consider declaring for the NBA draft after the NCAA Tournament.

Butler’s top scorer this season has been Chuck Harris, who has averaged 12.8 PPG for the Bulldogs while shooting 39.3% from behind the arc.

BUTLER VS CREIGHTON BETTING TRENDS

• Creighton is under .500 against the spread this season with a record of 9-13
• Butler has not been a good team to bet against the spread, they have a below .500 record with an 8-12-1 record.
• Butler had a huge comeback against Xavier to cover the +6.5 spread by winning outright
• Creighton covered their last game against Butler five days ago

FINAL THOUGHTS

Meanwhile, there is no denying how good Creighton has been this season, Butler has shown to be better in the postseason. The Bluejays should win the game, but 9.5 points seem too much to give Creighton. Take the Bulldogs to cover +9.5.

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