Eastern Illinois Panthers vs Butler Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/3/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Panthers and Bulldogs. The game is starting at 6:30 ET on FS2, and it’s hosted by the Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 138.5 points, and Butler is favored by -22 against Eastern Illinois in a non-conference matchup.

EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS VS BUTLER BULLDOGS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Eastern Illinois Panthers +22

This game will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse at 6:30 ET on Tuesday, December 3rd.

WHY BET THE EASTERN ILLINOIS PANTHERS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 79-68 in favor of the Bulldogs.
• Even though we have Butler winning straight-up, we like Eastern Illinois at +22.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 138.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 147 points.

Will Eastern Illinois Make it Happen on the Road?

Eastern Illinois improved to 6-1 on the season with a 72-59 win over Northern Illinois on Friday, November 29th. The Panthers, who were favored by 3.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The game’s total points of 131 fell short of the 137.5 O/U line.

Leading 31-24 at halftime, Eastern Illinois scored 41 points in the 2nd half while allowing 35 to the Huskies. The Panthers’ defense and efficient scoring after the break helped them secure the win.

Eastern Illinois put up 72 points in their last game, shooting 44.8% from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was 48.3%, with a two-point shooting mark of 51.1% (23/45) and a three-point percentage of just 23.1% (3/13). They also connected on 77.3% of their free throws, going 17/22 from the line.

The Panthers recorded 9 offensive rebounds and 11 assists. Nakyel Shelton led the way with 26 points and 6 rebounds, while James Dent Jr. added 20 points and 9 boards, hitting 5 threes on 14 attempts. Kooper Jacobi contributed 19 points and 16 rebounds, shooting 58.3% from the field.

Eastern Illinois held their opponent to 59 points, despite allowing them to shoot 44% from the field. The Panthers gave up 23 two-point baskets on 45 attempts, a 51% success rate for the opposing team.

From beyond the arc, Eastern Illinois limited their opponent to just 3 made threes on 13 attempts, a 23% shooting performance. The Panthers also sent the other team to the line 22 times, where they converted 17 free throws, shooting 77%.

Is a Home Win Possible for the Bulldogs?

Butler Bulldogs Recent Game/Games

Butler picked up their first win of the season, moving to 1-5, with an 87-77 road victory over Mississippi State on Friday. The Bulldogs were +8.5 point underdogs going into the game, but they not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.

Butler led 40-34 at halftime and continued their strong play in the second half, scoring 47 points while allowing 43. The game’s total points reached 164, surpassing the over/under line of 145.5.

Butler’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 87 points with a field goal percentage of 52.8%. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 64.2%, thanks in part to their 54.5% shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 12 of 22 attempts.

Jahmyl Telfort led the way with 24 points, shooting 57.1% from three-point range. Riley Kugel, Josh Hubbard, and Pierre Brooks II each added 22 points, with Brooks also grabbing 9 rebounds and hitting 60% of his threes.

Despite Butler’s defensive efforts, they gave up 77 points in their last game, even though they held their opponent to just 37% shooting from the field. The Bulldogs allowed 19 two-point baskets on 42 attempts, a 45% conversion rate.

From beyond the arc, Butler’s defense limited their opponent to 7 made threes on 27 attempts, a 25% success rate. However, they sent the other team to the free-throw line 21 times, where they capitalized by hitting 18 free throws, shooting 85%. Butler also gave up 11 offensive rebounds.