Wisconsin Badgers vs Butler Bulldogs NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/14/24

Don’t miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Badgers and Bulldogs. The game is starting at 2:30 ET on BTN, and it’s hosted by the Bulldogs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN. Get ready to place your bets! Wisconsin is favored by -4.5 in this non-conference contest against Butler. The game’s over/under currently sits at 146 points.

WISCONSIN BADGERS VS BUTLER BULLDOGS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Butler Bulldogs +4.5

This game will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse at 2:30 ET on Saturday, December 14th.

WHY BET THE BUTLER BULLDOGS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Bulldogs.
• Not only will Butler pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +4.5.
• The over/under is currently sitting at 146 points, and we like the under with a projected 145 points.

Taking a Look at the Badgers Chances in Indianapolis

Wisconsin fell to 8-3 on the season after an 86-80 road loss to Illinois on Tuesday. The Badgers entered the game as +7.5 point underdogs but kept it closer than expected.

Trailing 39-35 at halftime, Wisconsin scored 45 points in the 2nd half but allowed 47. The game’s total points of 166 went over the pre-game line of 153.5.

Wisconsin put up 80 points in their recent game, with a field goal percentage of 44.4% and an effective field goal percentage of 52.4%. They shot 52.9% from two-point range and 34.5% from beyond the arc, hitting 10 threes on 29 attempts. At the free-throw line, they connected on 66.7%, making 14 of 21 shots.

Kasparas Jakucionis led the way with 24 points, shooting 53.3% overall and 50.0% from three (4/8), while adding 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Tre White contributed 23 points, hitting 75.0% of his shots and 66.7% from deep (2/3), along with 8 rebounds. The Badgers also got 15 assists as a team, with 11 offensive rebounds.

Wisconsin’s defense gave up 86 points in their last game, with the opposing team shooting 42% from the field. They allowed 54% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 17/31 inside the arc.

From three-point range, Wisconsin’s opponents shot 30%, hitting 10 of 33 attempts. The Badgers also sent them to the free-throw line 25 times, where they made 22 free throws, shooting 88%. Wisconsin gave up 15 offensive rebounds in the game.

Do the Bulldogs Have What it Takes at Home?

Butler Bulldogs Recent Game

Butler fell to 7-3 on the season after a 71-68 home loss to North Dakota State on Tuesday. The Bulldogs entered the game as -13.5 favorites but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 139, just under the O/U line of 142.

Butler trailed 44-23 at halftime but mounted a comeback in the 2nd half, outscoring the Bison 45-27. Despite the strong finish, they couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

Butler’s offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 37.1% overall and 37.2% on two-point attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was 41.9%, but they managed to hit 36.8% from three-point range, connecting on 7 of 19 attempts. At the free-throw line, they shot 75%, making 15 of 20 attempts.

Jacari White led the Bulldogs with 27 points, hitting 7 of 9 threes and shooting 71.4% overall. Pierre Brooks II added 26 points, shooting 66.7% from beyond the arc, while Jacksen Moni contributed 25 points and 7 rebounds, going 4 of 10 from deep. Butler also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds and recorded 15 assists in the game.

Butler’s defense held their opponent to 71 points on 37% shooting from the field. They limited two-point attempts to 37% (16/43).

From beyond the arc, Butler allowed 7 threes on 19 attempts (36%). The opponent shot 75% from the line, making 15 of 20 free throws. Butler gave up 15 offensive rebounds.