Butler Bulldogs vs Western Michigan Broncos Matchup

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

Western Michigan vs Butler Prediction

Betting on today's Broncos and Bulldogs game? Catch the action at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN, as the Bulldogs hosts this showdown at 7:00 ET on FS1. The over/under for this game is set at 146.5 points, and Butler is favored by -16.5 against Western Michigan in a non-conference matchup.

Western Michigan vs. Butler Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: Western Michigan Broncos at Butler Bulldogs
Where: Indianapolis at Hinkle Fieldhouse
Date: Monday, November 11th
Betting Odds BUTL -16.5, WMICH +983 | BUTL -1833 O/U 146.5

Broncos Preview: Do the Broncos Have What it Takes to Win as Road Underdogs?

Western Michigan dropped their season opener on Monday, falling 60-56 to Coastal Carolina on the road. Entering the game as +4.5 point underdogs, the Broncos kept it close, covering the spread. The game’s total points of 116 fell well short of the 140.5 O/U line.

After trailing 36-26 at halftime, Western Michigan’s defense tightened up, holding the Chanticleers to 24 points in the 2nd half while scoring 30 themselves, but it wasn’t enough to complete the comeback.

Broncos Offense Breakdown

Western Michigan's offense struggled in their last game, putting up just 56 points while shooting 34.6% from the field. They connected on only 3 of 15 three-point attempts, hitting at a 20% clip, and their effective field goal percentage was 38.5%.

Rasheed Jones led the way with 15 points, hitting 2 of 4 from deep. Markhi Strickland and Donovan Williams each added 13 points, with Williams shooting 80% from the field. The Broncos managed just 5 assists as a team and hit 60.7% of their free throws.

Broncos Team Defense

Western Michigan's defense gave up 60 points, allowing the opposing team to shoot 46% from the field. They struggled to contain shots inside the arc, where their opponents connected on 59% of their two-point attempts, going 16/27.

From three-point range, Western Michigan held their opponents to 30% shooting, with 6 made threes on 20 attempts. They also sent the opposing team to the free-throw line 15 times, where they made 10 free throws, shooting 66%. The Broncos limited second-chance opportunities, giving up just 4 offensive rebounds.

Bulldogs Preview: Can Butler Live Up to the Hype at Home?

Butler Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Butler dropped their season opener at home, falling 68-66 to Austin Peay on Friday. The Bulldogs, who were -17 point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.

After trailing 39-34 at halftime, Butler tightened up defensively in the 2nd half, allowing just 29 points while scoring 32. The game’s total points of 134 fell under the O/U line of 146.5.

Bulldogs Offense Breakdown

Butler managed 66 points in their last game, shooting 42% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 48%. They struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 26.9% of their threes (7/26), but were strong inside, connecting on 58.3% of their two-point attempts (14/24). At the free-throw line, they were nearly perfect, converting 17 of 19 attempts (89.5%).

LJ Thomas led the Bulldogs with 29 points and 8 rebounds, shooting 48.1% overall and 25% from three (1/4). Patrick McCaffery added 23 points and 8 rebounds, hitting 5 of 8 threes (62.5%) and shooting 61.5% overall. Pierre Brooks II contributed 13 points and 7 rebounds, but struggled from deep, making just 1 of 7 threes (14.3%).

Bulldogs Team Defense

Butler's defense gave up 68 points, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field. They allowed 14 two-point baskets on 24 attempts, a 58% shooting rate.

From beyond the arc, the opposing team went 7/26, shooting 26%. They also made 17 of 19 free throws, hitting 89%. Butler allowed 9 offensive rebounds.

Broncos vs Bulldogs Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

When looking at their past five road matchups, Western Michigan has an ATS record of 2-3 while averaging 59 per game. The team went 1-4 overall in these games.
In their last ten games at home, the Bulldogs have a straight up record of 4-6 while going 5-5 vs the spread. The team's offense averaged 74 points per game in these contests.
Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Broncos have a straight up record of 3-7. But, their mark vs the spread was just 6-4.
Going back to their last ten games as the favorite, the Bulldogs have a straight up record of 7-3. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-6.