The Villanova Wildcats take on the Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis, IN. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m. ET on FS1.
Villanova is favored by 2.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -142. The total is set at 146 points.
Here are my Villanova vs. Butler predictions and college basketball picks for January 1, 2025.
Villanova vs Butler Prediction
My Pick: Butler ML +125 (Play to -110)
My Villanova vs Butler best bet is on the Bulldogs moneyline, with the best odds currently available at bet365. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Villanova vs Butler Odds
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -112 | 146 -110 / -110 | -142 |
| Butler Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -108 | 146 -110 / -110 | +120 |
- Villanova vs Butler spread: Villanova -2.5
- Villanova vs Butler over/under: 146 points
- Villanova vs Butler moneyline: Villanova -142, Butler +120
- Villanova vs Butler best bet: Butler ML +125 (Play to -110)
Spread
There's more value on the moneyline.
Moneyline
I'm taking the moneyline.
Over/Under
I'm avoiding the total.
My Pick: Butler ML +125 (Play to -110)
Villanova vs Butler College Basketball Betting Preview
I love this spot for Butler, as the Bulldogs are desperate for a win in the worst way. They've lost five straight games, but their schedule has been stiff, with defeats against Houston, Wisconsin, Marquette and UConn along the way.
Now they return to Hinkle Fieldhouse for a matchup against the Wildcats as they look to avoid an 0-3 start in the Big East.
Jahmyl Telfort and Pierre Brooks II is a solid 1-2 punch — using their size and ability to create in the mid-post against mismatches — so hope is there for the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Wildcats have stabilized since a 2-3 start to the season, as they won five straight games (including one over Cincinnati) before a loss to Creighton.
The problem is the Wildcats haven't won a game away from their home gyms all season.
In addition to the spot, Butler can capitalize on the interior against Villanova. The Wildcats are 253rd in the country in rebounding and the Bulldogs have a monster on the glass in Andre Screen. The Bulldogs are thin up front, but they can grab some second-chance opportunities.
I'm still not a fan of Kyle Neptune, who seems in over his head at Villanova, and the Wildcats just don't have enough beyond Eric Dixon, who leads the country in scoring.
Give me Butler as a 'dog.
