With the college basketball season heating up, the margin for error is shrinking for teams teetering on the NCAA Tournament bubble. One such team, Butler, finds itself in a precarious position, boasting a 12-7 record but sitting at 3-5 in the competitive Big East conference. The Bulldogs' NET ranking of 50 has them squarely on the bubble, making their upcoming matchup against Marquette a high-stakes affair. A win would not only bolster their tournament resume but also provide a much-needed boost in Quad 1 games, where they currently stand at 2-4.
Butler's recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins sandwiched between a loss in their last three outings. Fortunately for the Bulldogs, they'll be hosting Marquette at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse, where they've enjoyed a significant home-court advantage. The Golden Eagles, on the other hand, are struggling to find their footing, with a 7-13 record and a dismal 0-6 mark in Quad 1 games. Marquette desperately needs quality wins to build a tournament-worthy resume, making this matchup a potential season-defining opportunity.
CHD Scout Prediction
Marquette
73
Butler
83
According to the CHD Scout prediction, Butler is favored to win by 9.6 points, with an 80.8% win probability. This prognosis is hardly surprising, given the Bulldogs' superior NET ranking and home-court advantage. With no notable player momentum to speak of, it's likely that Butler's balanced attack will prove too much for Marquette to handle. The Golden Eagles must dig deep and find a way to contain the Bulldogs' offense, which has been clicking on all cylinders at home.
As the two teams clash in Indianapolis, the implications are clear: a Butler win would further solidify their tournament hopes, while a Marquette victory would be a monumental upset that could potentially revive their postseason aspirations. In the end, I predict Butler will emerge victorious, 83-73, behind a strong performance at Hinkle Fieldhouse. The Bulldogs' experience and home-court edge should prove too great for Marquette to overcome, dealing a significant blow to the Golden Eagles' already slim tournament chances.