Evan Altemus
3* Butler / UConn Under 129
1* Butler +3.5
This game features two teams that have played excellent defense in their last game, as well as in the tournament. Four out of five of Connecticut's NCAA tournament games have gone under the total as well. Both teams play a more deliberate style of play and don't run up and down the court as much. In the Butler/VCU game, VCU really tried and push the tempo, but Butler was very effective at getting back on defense and slowing the game down. The Bulldogs really don't want to push the tempo, especially against a more athletic team in UCONN. The Huskies play a physical style of play, Kemba Walker scores a majority of their points. Because of that I expect the Bulldogs to be very effective at limiting the Connecticut scoring. They play excellent defense and it will be easier for them to contain the Huskies by focusing on Walker. Look for this game to go under the total rather easily and for Butler to take it down to the wire.
3* Butler / UConn Under 129
1* Butler +3.5
This game features two teams that have played excellent defense in their last game, as well as in the tournament. Four out of five of Connecticut's NCAA tournament games have gone under the total as well. Both teams play a more deliberate style of play and don't run up and down the court as much. In the Butler/VCU game, VCU really tried and push the tempo, but Butler was very effective at getting back on defense and slowing the game down. The Bulldogs really don't want to push the tempo, especially against a more athletic team in UCONN. The Huskies play a physical style of play, Kemba Walker scores a majority of their points. Because of that I expect the Bulldogs to be very effective at limiting the Connecticut scoring. They play excellent defense and it will be easier for them to contain the Huskies by focusing on Walker. Look for this game to go under the total rather easily and for Butler to take it down to the wire.
TOM FREESE
Butler vs UCONN
Pick: Butler +4
Connecticut is 31-9 straight up this year. The Huskies are 6-15 ATS their last 21 games as favorites of 0.5 to 6.5 points. The Huskies are 7-2 ATS after scoring less than 60 points in their last game and they are 17-6 ATS after scoring less than 65 points in their last game. Butler is 28-9 straight up this year. The Bulldogs are 7-0 ATS their last 7 Big Dance games. Butler is 41-16-2 ATS their last 59 Non-Conference games. The Bulldogs are 22-4-2 ATS their last 28 games vs. a team with vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60%. Butler is 18-5 ATS their last 23 Big Dance games. 20* BIG DANCE GAME OF THE YEAR PLAY ON BUTLER
Butler vs UCONN
Pick: Butler +4
Connecticut is 31-9 straight up this year. The Huskies are 6-15 ATS their last 21 games as favorites of 0.5 to 6.5 points. The Huskies are 7-2 ATS after scoring less than 60 points in their last game and they are 17-6 ATS after scoring less than 65 points in their last game. Butler is 28-9 straight up this year. The Bulldogs are 7-0 ATS their last 7 Big Dance games. Butler is 41-16-2 ATS their last 59 Non-Conference games. The Bulldogs are 22-4-2 ATS their last 28 games vs. a team with vs. a team with a win percentage of over 60%. Butler is 18-5 ATS their last 23 Big Dance games. 20* BIG DANCE GAME OF THE YEAR PLAY ON BUTLER
Bob Balfe
Minnesota Twins +151
Scott Baker is a good 5th starter and could be 3rd in a lot of major league clubhouses. Baker strikes out a lot of guys and does not give up too many walks. His only downfall is that he allows a good amount of homeruns, but solo shots with nobody on base is not that big of a deal. Ivan Nova is just a young guy with not much MLB experience. Baker is the better pitcher in this matchup and a big win in New York will really get the Twins' season off to a good start. Take the Twins.
Minnesota Twins +151
Scott Baker is a good 5th starter and could be 3rd in a lot of major league clubhouses. Baker strikes out a lot of guys and does not give up too many walks. His only downfall is that he allows a good amount of homeruns, but solo shots with nobody on base is not that big of a deal. Ivan Nova is just a young guy with not much MLB experience. Baker is the better pitcher in this matchup and a big win in New York will really get the Twins' season off to a good start. Take the Twins.
