Sweet 16: Butler vs Wisconsin | Prediction & Pick

Butler pulls of impossible to move on to face the Badgers

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The Bulldogs toppled the Southeast Regional number one seed and appear poised to make another Cinderella run as the mid-major power moves on to face the Wisconsin Badges in the Southeast Regional Semifinals in New Orleans on Thursday.

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#8 Butler (25-9, 13-5 Horizon) vs. #4 Wisconsin (25-8, 13-5 Big Ten)

Date/Time: Thursday, March 24, 9:55 PM EST
Venue: New Orleans Arena in New Orleans, LA.
Broadcast: TBS

Money Line: Butler +185, Wisconsin -225
Spread: Wisconsin -5
Over/Under: 124

After surviving near disaster against Old Dominion to open tournament play, the Bulldogs did the improbable knocking off the Pittsburgh Panthers in a finish filled with drama and controversy.

A late foul sent Pittsburgh’s Gilbert Brown to the free throw line with 1.4 seconds left. After Brown tied the game, another foul was called on the Panthers Nasir Robinson that sent Matt Howard to the line for what proved to be the winning free throw.

Howard, whose 30 points helped the ‘Dogs upend the Big East regular season champs, is now 2-for-2 in game-savers after a buzzer beating layup against ODU.

Meanwhile, the Badgers dominated Belmont in the round of 64, winning 72-58. It was for their fifth consecutive NCAA tournament-opening victory in their 13th consecutive tournament appearance. Wisconsin shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Bruins to 36.7. The Badgers then managed to hold on for a 70-65 win over Kansas State to advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2008.

The Bulldogs have reeled off 11 consecutive victories entering Thursday’s tilt and are 15-3 in March Madness during coach Brad Stevens reign. The Dogs are making an 11th appearance in the tournament all-time and are just two wins away from reaching their first Final Four since 1957.

Both teams play very well at both ends of the hardwood.

First of all the Badgers just don’t turn the ball over. They have committed fewer than 10 turnovers in 16 of their last 17 games. They play exceptional defense, ranking fourth in the country allowing just 58.3 points by opponents on average. They are also the best free throw shooting team, at 82.3 percent.

Butler has missed the talents of Gordon Hayward this season, but will look to veteran leadership from senior Matt Howard (16.7 PPG) and junior Shelvin Mack (15.2 PPG) to counter the Badgers Jordan Taylor and Jon Leuer. The duo has combined for 36.7 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game.

The odds makers have the Wisconsin Badgers as a -5 point favorite with an over/under of 124.

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Prediction: I have to give a lot of respect to a disciplined Butler team. However, if defense wins championships, my money is on Wisconsin.

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