The Villanova Wildcats take on the Butler Bulldogs in Indianapolis, IN. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. ET on TNT.
Villanova is favored by 1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -115. The total is set at 146.5 points.
Here’s my Villanova vs. Butler prediction and college basketball picks for January 3, 2026.
Villanova vs Butler Prediction
My Pick: Villanova ML -115
My Villanova vs Butler best bet is on the Wildcats to win outright. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Villanova vs. Butler Odds
| Villanova Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -105 | 146.5 -110 / -110 | -115 |
| Butler Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -115 | 146.5 -110 / -110 | -105 |
- Villanova vs Butler spread: Villanova -1.5
- Villanova vs Butler over/under: 146.5 points
- Villanova vs Butler moneyline: Villanova -115, Butler -105
Villanova vs Butler College Basketball Betting Preview
Villanova Basketball
Villanova really had to scrap and claw its way to a New Year's Eve win over DePaul. While it wasn't pretty, the Wildcats improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in Big East action.
Kevin Willard brought the toughness and grit from his past great teams to Philly, and it's paying off. The Wildcats' defense steals the show, ranking 35th in KenPom's defensive efficiency. They thrive at forcing turnovers (19% turnover rate) and hold teams to 47% shooting on 2s.
Nova has struggled on the glass, as opponents grab offensive boards at a 30.8% clip. In contrast, Nova grabs offensive boards at a 37% rate. That makes the issues on the defensive glass all the more puzzling.
On the opposite end, Villanova is a one-trick pony. The Wildcats' offensive style is letting it fly from deep, shooting 3s on 47% of shots while connecting on 36% of them. If the shot doesn't fall, Duke Brennan — and his 19.8% offensive rebound rate — is there to grab the miss.
Around Brennan are a foursome of shooting options. Freshman point guard Acaden Lewis is a dazzling playmaker who knows how to find the shooting pocket of snipers, Bryce Lindsay and Tyler Perkins. Lindsay is the best shooter in the Big East, averaging 16 points per game while hitting 44% from deep.
The key is the other unnamed starter: a freshman four-man from Belgium, Matt Hodge, who's a sharp shooter. He's connecting on 38% from deep, but he'll get looks as a floor-spacer when Lewis gets into the lane.
In all, you have to love the shooting, but when the shots don't fall, Villanova could be in trouble. The Wildcats' offense is so connected to making long-range triples that it'll struggle on the road without it.
Butler Basketball
Butler is coming off a tough road loss to Creighton, as the Bulldogs picked up their fourth defeat this season. They have to hold serve at home to have a real shot at making the NCAA Tournament.
The Bulldogs will need their big two to show up. Michael Ajayi is one of the biggest steals in the portal. The well-traveled forward leads Butler in points (16.3), rebounds (12.3) and assists per game (2.6). The other part of the big two is Finley Bizjack, a long-time Bulldog who's enjoying a career year (15.9 PPG).
The Bulldogs rank 50th in offensive efficiency and 69th in defensive efficiency, showcasing their balance on both ends.
The one thing Butler can really do to cause issues for Villanova is attack the offensive glass, as it ranks 14th nationally with a 39% offensive rebound rate. Ajayi is a menace on the offensive glass and bigs Yohan Traore and Drayton Jones make their presence known on the boards, too.
Perhaps the biggest note about this Butler team isn't what it has, it's what it doesn't have. That's Jalen Jackson, the Bulldogs' point guard who's done for the year. Without Jackson, Butler is 5-3, with losses to its three toughest opponents (Boise State, UConn, Creighton).
It also beat Northwestern and Providence, but it feels notable that Butler looks worse without Jackson.
First-year guard Azavier Robinson will defend the more experienced freshman in Lewis. That'll be the matchup that could decide who wins.
Villanova vs. Butler Betting Analysis
Pace will matter in this one. Villanova is ready for a rock fight, as it sits 355th in adjusted tempo. On the flip side, Butler will look to push the pace, playing at the 69th-fastest tempo in America.
Who does that favor? I'm saying Villanova.
In this matchup, the best overall unit is Villanova's defense, and Willard will aim to frustrate Robinson.
For those reasons, Villanova moneyline on the road in Indy is the play.
My Pick: Villanova ML -115
