Butler vs. Marquette Prediction: Will Butler Cover the Big Spread?
Butler vs. Marquette Prediction: Will Butler Cover the Big Spread?
Butler is no wagon, but they do hold a 10-5 record at home this season. They always seem to play Marquette well, keeping the games close. Butler has either covered or won four of the previous five contests against Marquette. Last month Marquette sneaked out a close win at home against the Bulldogs. On a four-game winning streak and winners of nine out of their last 10, Marquette should steamroll a Butler team already looking forward to next season, right? Well if there’s one thing we know about Thad Matta’s Bulldogs, it’s that they never quit. Butler is known for creating havoc at home against superior teams. They’ve been pulling off upsets at Hinkle Fieldhouse for years.
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Let's get into my pick.
Butler vs. Marquette Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds
- Date: February 28, 2023
- Start Time: 6:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: FS1
Click here for Butler vs. Marquette odds
Butler vs. Marquette Prediction
Marquette likes to push the tempo and run in transition. If Butler wants to win this game, they will have to slow the Eagles down and limit their possessions. The Bulldogs are capable of this considering their highly underrated defense. With the direction the total is moving (142 to 140.5), I like our chances of getting a defensive battle tonight. Scoring is the issue for Butler, not the defense. Don’t let this Butler team get hot though, they’ve sneakily played well in the month of February.
Manny Bates is questionable tonight as he continues his path back from injury. Considering the line has moved two points in Marquette’s direction, I’m assuming he won’t be playing. If he does, we are getting a great number with Butler +9.5.
Who knows, maybe Manny has been prepping to give it a go and return on senior night in front of the Butler crowd. Senior guard Ali Ali (yes, that’s his name) has been playing his best basketball of the season recently, averaging 12 ppg in his last three contests.
Ali will rise to the occasion again on a night meant to celebrate him and his accomplishments as a senior. He had a tough shooting night against Marquette earlier this month but shot a season-record six threes. If Ali can take advantage this time around and not shoot 1/6 from deep, Butler will have a chance to not only cover this game but win. The opportunities are there, the Bulldogs just need to take advantage of them this time around.
At home, under the lights at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Butler feeds off the electric Big East crowd. There is nothing better in the sport than a nationally televised Big East battle. Don’t miss out on an incredible game, and an even better wager.
Butler vs. Marquette Pick
- Butler +9.5 (-110) (Bet $100 to collect $191) Get the best odds, available at DraftKings
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Article Author
Krabs is a contrarian bettor who isn’t afraid to fade the public or go against the grain. His betting style not only produces winners but has changed the way many think about the sports betting process. You’ll find Krabs betting on anything from the NFL (at a 60% clip in 2022) to the KBO (8-1-1 in 2022). You won’t find many handicappers with more college basketball knowledge or insight than Krabs. A native of the “DMV,” you can find his work @Krabs_Bets on Twitter, or on Behind the Lines, his daily sports betting show on twitch.