Butler vs. Oklahoma Odds
| Butler Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+10.5 -105 | 126.5 -110o / -110u | +420 |
| Oklahoma Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-10.5 -115 | 126.5 -110o / -110u | -580 |
Butler travels to Oklahoma in search of its first win over a top-200 opponent this season.
The Bulldogs are coming off of a 10-15 campaign that earned them the 120th spot in KenPom’s rankings. It was the worst finish for the program in 15 seasons, but there was reason for optimism heading into this year thanks to four super-seniors that returned for one last run.
Butler is 5-3 on the year, with its three losses to top programs in Houston, Michigan State and Texas A&M.
The group will match up against Oklahoma, which moved on from head coach Lon Kruger and handed the keys to Porter Moser. The Sooners haven’t missed a beat this season, starting 7-1 and earning a big victory over the Florida Gators.
Oklahoma will look to exploit the turnover woes that have hindered Butler early in the season.
Butler Bulldogs
Butler returns 91.9% of its minutes from last season, which is second most of any team in the nation. The Bulldogs return four super seniors and look to improve in the Big East standings — especially if they can avoid the injury bug that took its toll last season.
The Bulldogs have been mixing different starting lineups, as eight separate players have been in the top rotation. Freshman guard Jayden Taylor and center Bryce Golden are the two players who have started all eight games for Butler.
Jair Bolden leads the Bulldogs in scoring thanks to his 46% perimeter shooting. Chuck Harris is the jack of all trades for the program, as he's averaging 10.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
Butler is a deep unit that has seen nine players average 16 or more minutes per game. The Bulldogs have had a serious issue with taking care of the basketball, ranking 10th worst in the nation in turnover percentage.
The program’s victories have come against three teams that rank outside the top 250 in the country and two Division II programs. In their three games against Power 5 programs, the Bulldogs have turned the ball over 53 times (17.6 per game).
Oklahoma Sooners
Oklahoma not only lost its head coach from last season, but also its top three scorers in Austin Reaves, De’Vion Harmon and Brady Manek, who combined for 42 points per game last season.
The group returns three key pieces from last year's squad in Elijah Harkless, Umoja Gibson and Jalen Hill. The Sooners also receive some help from the transfer portal, bringing in five Division I players.
Among the group is senior Tanner Groves, who came in from Eastern Washington and has had an immediate impact, scoring 15.3 points while grabbing 6.5 rebounds per game. The 6-foot-10 center has shown his ability to stretch the floor, hitting 12-of-29 3-point attempts this season.
Duke transfer Jordan Goldwire rounds out the starting lineup and has averaged 9.6 points while contributing 34 assists in his eight games.
The Sooners have been hyper-efficient offensively, hitting 60.9% of their 2-point attempts, which is second in the nation. The group has thrived defensively, holding opponents to 60 points per game while owning the 31st defensive efficiency ranking.
Butler vs. Oklahoma Betting Pick
Oklahoma is coming off of a 74-67 victory over Florida, thanks to 16 forced turnovers and holding the Gators to 4-for-24 from 3-point territory. The Sooners will implement a similar game plan against Butler, which shoots 51% of its field goal attempts from behind the arc.
Butler has turned the ball over on 25.4% of its possessions this season, which is a recipe for disaster. The program is still dealing with a lingering injury to Bryce Nze, who is doubtful for this matchup.
Groves will be able to spread the floor for Oklahoma and force Golden to guard the perimeter, which will open up driving lanes.
Oklahoma is hitting 61% of its two-point attempts this season, which is second best in the nation. Butler has struggled at defending such shot attempts, ranking 235th at defending shots inside the arc.
Oklahoma should go wire-to-wire in this matchup, as it will have the clear edge at home.
Pick: Oklahoma -10.5
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