Butler (15-19) vs Boise State (25-10)
- When: Apr 2 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas, NV
- Where to watch: Fox Sports 1
College Basketball Crown 2nd Round: Butler vs Boise State
Spread: Boise State -8.5 | Total: 154.5
Boise State enters Wednesday night’s College Basketball Crown quarterfinal matchup against Butler as an 8.5-point favorite, with the total set at 154.5. Both teams picked up opening-round wins on Monday, and while their paths to victory looked very different, they now collide in Las Vegas with a semifinal berth on the line.
Butler Bulldogs Preview
The Bulldogs (15-19) clawed their way back from a double-digit second-half deficit against Utah in Monday’s thriller, eventually pulling off an 86-84 win on a late-game drive by veteran Pierre Brooks II. Butler’s offense finally came to life in the second half, fueled by a 24-7 surge that flipped the momentum. Brooks dropped 22 points and nine boards in the victory, while fellow seniors stepped up in what they’ve made clear is a last hurrah.
Motivation isn’t in question for this group. Butler may not have reached their NCAA Tournament goal, but they’re fully invested in finishing strong in Vegas. Offensively, they looked sharp in the second half against Utah, but defensive breakdowns remain a concern. They’ll need to tighten up on that end to cover — or pull off the outright upset — against a hot Boise State squad.
Boise State Broncos Preview
Boise State (25-10), one of the first four teams left out of the NCAA Tournament, made a serious statement with its 89-59 demolition of George Washington. After a sluggish start, the Broncos found their rhythm on both ends, highlighted by 27 points off turnovers and a dominating 18-0 edge in fast-break scoring. Tyson Degenhart led the charge with 19 points and is closing in on 2,000 career points — a milestone he could hit in this one.
This Broncos team is experienced, focused, and playing like a group with something to prove. Their defense has been stifling, and they’ve been thriving in transition, which could be a huge factor against a Butler team that had trouble containing Utah’s ball movement for long stretches.
Betting Trends & Prediction
Butler showed resilience in the opening round, but Boise State’s depth, defensive pressure, and transition offense are all significant edges. The Bulldogs can’t afford another slow start, especially not against a Boise team that knows how to put opponents away once they smell blood.
Prediction: Boise State 82, Butler 70
Best Bets:
Boise State -8.5: The Broncos are locked in and have the tools to dominate both ends.
Under 154.5: Butler may struggle to keep pace offensively, and Boise State’s defense should set the tone.
Player Prop to Watch: Tyson Degenhart Over Points – He’s nearing a milestone and likely to be the focal point again.
- NCAAB Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
