Rhode Island vs Butler NCAA 2013

RHODE ISLAND RAMS VS BUTLER BULLDOGS (-15.5)


This Atlantic 10 matchup is set to tip-off at 4PM EST in Hinkle Fieldhouse Arena. Butler (17-4) is trying to stay undefeated at home this season while Rhode Island (6-13) is aiming to get only their 2nd win against an Atlantic 10 rival this season.

I expect Butler to cover this generous -15.5 at home tonight against Rhode Island with ease. They are once again playing their best basketball at home, they knocked off #8 Gonzaga on January 18th at home. While they were the first squad to beat Indiana this season, who at the time was ranked #1.

The Bulldogs are averaging 71 PPG offensively this season, with much of their efficiency coming from effective shooting. They are 41st in the country with a 46.4% field goal percentage helping them average 1.09 points per possession (38th). Look for them to take the Rams defense in stride. Rhode Island has struggled on defense this season. They are allowing teams to score an average of 64.8 points per game. With their real problems tracing back to their ability to rebound. The Rams are 316th overall grabbing only 37.8 rebounds per game, while they allow opposing team grab a ridiculous 29.7% on the offensive boards. Watch for Butler to take full advantage of Rhode Islands rebounding problems. The Bulldogs are 37th in the country grabbing 37.6% offensive boards. With the Rams struggles grabbing defensive rebounds, and Butlers success on the offensive boards, look for the Bulldogs to run away in this one.

TRENDS 


RHODE ISLAND 

• 3-4 against the spread in all road games this season
• 10-23-2 against the spread in their last 35 games on saturday