Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
The upcoming NCAA basketball clash between the North Dakota State Bison and the Butler Bulldogs promises to be an exciting matchup that fans won’t want to miss. Scheduled for December 10, 2024, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, this game pits two teams with contrasting styles and recent performances against each other. As the Bison ride a four-game winning streak into this contest, the Bulldogs are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss. With both teams eager to make a statement, let’s dive into what makes this matchup so intriguing.
Current Form: North Dakota State Bison
The North Dakota State Bison (7-4) have found their rhythm lately, winning four consecutive games, including a solid 82-70 victory over Northern Colorado in their last outing. During this stretch, they’ve showcased a balanced offensive attack, averaging around 74 points per game. Their ability to score consistently has been bolstered by strong performances from key players like Jacari White, who leads the team with an impressive 17.0 points per game, and Jackson Moni, contributing 16.0 points and 7 rebounds.
What’s particularly notable about the Bison is their effective field goal percentage of 43.4% coupled with a three-point shooting percentage of 34.1%. This ability to stretch the floor can create mismatches against teams that struggle defensively on the perimeter. Additionally, North Dakota State has demonstrated solid rebounding skills, averaging 37 boards per game and maintaining a positive rebounding margin of +2.2.
Current Form: Butler Bulldogs
On the other side of the court, the Butler Bulldogs (7-2) are coming off a tough loss against No. 17 Houston, where they fell 79-51. It was a game that exposed some vulnerabilities in Butler’s offense, as they managed only 18 points in the first half and shot a dismal 28.3% from the field overall. Jahmyl Telfort leads Butler with an average of 16.3 points per game but struggled significantly against Houston, scoring just four points on 1-of-5 shooting.
Despite this setback, Butler has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the season, particularly in their six-game winning streak prior to the Houston game. They have averaged around 76.6 points per game and possess a strong rebounding presence with an average of nearly 40 rebounds per contest. However, their three-point shooting has been inconsistent at best, with a percentage hovering around 27.8%. If Butler wants to regain their momentum against North Dakota State, they will need to find their offensive rhythm once again.
Key Statistics Comparison
| Statistic | North Dakota State | Butler Bulldogs |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 74.0 | 76.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 43.4% | 44.7% |
| Three-Point Percentage | 34.1% | 27.8% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 37 | 39.6 |
| Turnover Rate | 11.4 | 10.8 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 71.8 | 73.8 |
Notable Injuries
As of now, both teams appear to be relatively healthy with no significant injuries reported that could impact their lineups or rotations for this matchup. This is crucial as it allows both coaches to field their best players and implement their strategies effectively.
Why Pick Over 143 Total Points?
Given the current form and statistics of both teams, picking the over on the total points set at 143 seems like a smart move for several reasons:
- Offensive Potential: Both teams have shown they can score effectively when they are in rhythm. North Dakota State has averaged around 74 points during their winning streak while Butler has scored 76.6 points per game on average this season.
- Defensive Vulnerabilities: While both teams have solid rebounding numbers, they have also allowed more than 71 points per game on average, indicating that defenses can be breached when opponents find their stride.
- Pace of Play: The tempo at which both teams play can contribute significantly to scoring opportunities. Butler tends to push the pace when they are comfortable offensively, which could lead to more fast-break opportunities and higher scoring.
- Recent Trends: In their last few games, both teams have been involved in high-scoring affairs that exceeded this total point threshold.
Predicted Scores from NCAA Prediction Models
To further support our pick for the over on total points, here are predictions from five respected NCAA basketball prediction models:
- KenPom: Butler wins 78-69 (Total: 147)
- Sagarin Ratings: Butler wins 80-65 (Total: 145)
- Bart Torvik: Butler wins 79-65 (Total: 144)
- Haslametrics: Butler wins 85-64 (Total: 149)
- BPI (Basketball Power Index): Butler wins 75-68 (Total: 143)
These models consistently predict scores that hover around or exceed the total of 143, reinforcing our belief that this game will see plenty of scoring action.
Conclusion
As we gear up for this thrilling matchup between North Dakota State and Butler, expect an engaging contest filled with high stakes and plenty of excitement on both ends of the court. With both teams showcasing offensive capabilities despite recent challenges for Butler, betting on the over at 143 total points appears to be a sound strategy based on statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
With players like Telfort looking to bounce back and North Dakota State’s offensive momentum carrying them forward, fans can anticipate a competitive showdown that could easily exceed expectations in terms of scoring.
PICK: over 143 total points LOSE
