Shortly after the Duke-Arizona game gets rolling, No. 8 Butler (25-9) takes on No. 4 Wisconsin (25-8) in the Southeast Regional. Wisconsin is a 5-point favorite in the betting line.
Belmont was predicted by many to upset Wisconsin in the second round but the Badgers have quietly taken care of business. After cruising past Belmont 72-58, they beat a talented Kansas State squad 70-65. The Badgers certainly aren’t the most attractive team in the NCAA Tournament but they have been consistent. Jon Leuer led Wisconsin in scoring both games, tallying 17 points against Kansas State. Jordan Taylor had 12 points and six assists. He was overmatched against Kansas State’s Jacob Pullen, who finished with 38 points, but he blocked Pullen’s game-tying three-pointer to seal the victory for Wisconsin on Saturday.
After falling one-half court shot shy of a national championship, Butler has stunned the college basketball world again by getting to the Sweet 16, mainly due to Matt Howard. The senior lifted Butler 60-58 past Old Dominion in the second round with a put-back as time expired. Then, he made go-ahead free throw in a foul-filled ending over Pittsburgh. Howard and Shelvin Mack combine for 32 points per game and Butler has won 11 straight games overall.
Wisconsin is 17-12 ATS and hit the over in 17 of 29 games. The Badgers are 5-1 ATS in their last six non-conference games. Butler is 17-3-2 ATS and hit the over 18 of 32 times. The Bulldogs are 5-0 ATS in their last five NCAA Tournament games as an underdog.
Butler vs. Wisconsin (odds provided by Titan Bet)
Butler: 9/5
Wisconsin: 2/5
Point Spread: Wisconsin -5
Over/Under: 124