Butler Bulldogs vs Northwestern Wildcats Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Northwestern vs Butler NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Tempe.

Northwestern vs Butler Prediction

Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Wildcats and Bulldogs. The game is starting at 7:00 ET on CBSS, and it's hosted by the Bulldogs at Mullett Arena in Tempe, AZ. Get ready to place your bets! Northwestern is favored by -1.5 in this non-conference contest against Butler. The game's over/under currently sits at 134.5 points.

Northwestern vs. Butler Matchup At A Glance

  • Sport: NCAAB
  • Teams: Northwestern Wildcats at Butler Bulldogs
  • Where: Tempe at Mullett Arena
  • Date: Thursday, November 28th
  • Betting Odds NW -1.5, NW -126 | BUTL +105 O/U 134.5

Wildcats Preview: Can the Wildcats Deliver Being Favored on the Road?

Northwestern Wildcats Recent Game/Games

Northwestern picked up a 68-50 win over Pepperdine on Friday, November 22nd. Playing at home, the Wildcats were -17 point favorites and covered the spread. The game’s total points of 118 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Northwestern took control early, leading 31-19 at halftime. They scored 37 points in the 2nd half while allowing 31 points to the Waves.

Wildcats Offense Breakdown

Northwestern's offense put up 68 points in their last game, shooting 42.1% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 43.9%, with struggles from beyond the arc, hitting just 2 of 11 threes for 18.2%. At the free-throw line, they were solid, connecting on 18 of 21 attempts for 85.7%.

Jalen Leach led the way with 21 points, shooting 58.3% overall and 50% from three. Nick Martinelli added 20 points, also hitting 50% from deep. Brooks Barnhizer contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Jaxon Olvera chipped in 11 points, making 2 of 4 from three-point range.

Wildcats Team Defense

Northwestern's defense held their opponent to just 50 points, despite allowing 42% shooting from the field. They gave up 47% on two-point attempts, with the opposing team hitting 22 of 46 shots.

The Wildcats were effective at defending the three-point line, limiting their opponent to 2 of 11 shooting (18%). They also kept the damage on the boards to a minimum, allowing only 6 offensive rebounds.

Bulldogs Preview: Will the Bulldogs Come Through as Home Underdogs?

Butler Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Butler improved to 4-0 on the season with a dominant 78-39 win over Merrimack on Friday, November 22nd. The Bulldogs were -12.5 point favorites heading into the game and covered the spread with ease. The total points for the game ended at 117, well below the O/U line of 135.5.

After leading 37-31 at halftime, Butler's defense took over in the 2nd half, allowing just 8 points while scoring 41 themselves. This strong defensive effort was key in the Bulldogs' convincing win.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

Butler put up 78 points in their latest game, shooting 47.1% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 54.9%. They connected on 40% of their three-point attempts, going 8-for-20, and hit 71% of their free throws, making 22 of 31.

Pierre Brooks II led the way with 23 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 9-for-14 overall and 4-for-5 from beyond the arc. Andre Screen was efficient as well, hitting 5 of 6 shots for 12 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in just 17 minutes.

Bulldogs Team Defense

Butler's defense gave up 39 points in this one, with their opponents shooting 47% from the field, including 51% on two-pointers (16/31) and 40% from beyond the arc (8/20).

They also sent the other team to the line 31 times, where they hit 22 free throws (71%). Butler allowed 14 offensive rebounds.

Wildcats vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

  • Although Northwestern has a straight up record of 3-7 in their last ten road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 6-4. The team averaged 68 points per game in these games.
  • When looking at their past five home matchups, Butler has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 73 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
  • In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Bulldogs have a straight up record of 1-4 and an ATS mark of 1-4.
  • Through their previous three contests as the betting favorite, the Wildcats have a strong record of 3-0. Their record vs the spread in these matchups is 1-2.

Northwestern vs Butler Prediction & Free Pick

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