Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
Venue: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN
Broadcast: Peacock
The UConn Huskies, boasting a record of 9-3, are set to face the Butler Bulldogs, who hold a 7-5 record, this Saturday at Hinkle Fieldhouse.
In their latest appearance, the UConn Huskies triumphed over Xavier, securing a close victory with a final score of 94-89. UConn demonstrated offensive prowess with a field goal percentage of 47.8% (33 of 69) and converted 8 of 24 three-point attempts. At the free throw line, they excelled, sinking 20 of 21 shots for an outstanding percentage of 95.2%. The Huskies also gathered 32 rebounds, including 12 on the offensive boards, while providing 21 assists, forcing 9 turnovers from their opponents, and achieving 7 steals. Defensively, UConn limited Xavier to a 50.0% shooting rate on 29 of 58 attempts. Xavier, for their part, managed 9 assists and 3 steals, and secured 21 rebounds (3 offensive, 18 defensive) without blocking any shots. They performed well at the charity stripe as well, hitting 18 of 21 for an 85.7% success rate, complemented by 13 of 24 from beyond the arc. Foul totals saw UConn with 16 and Xavier finishing with 20.
Solomon Ball stood out as a key contributor in this game. Despite a field goal percentage of 35.3%, he scored 22 points on 6 of 17 shooting and added 3 rebounds in 34 minutes of play.
Discover today’s NCAA Predictions
UConn enters this matchup with a record of 9-3 this season. They average 84.4 points per game (ranking 35th nationally), with an impressive shooting percentage of 49.8% from the field. From three-point range, the Huskies hit 35.3% (115 of 326) and have a free throw percentage of 78.7%. Collectively, they average 37.1 rebounds and lead the nation with 239 assists so far this year, averaging only 9.9 turnovers per game while committing 19.3 fouls.
On the defensive end, the Huskies create 12.2 turnovers per game and draw 18.1 fouls. They rank 31st in the country for assists allowed, having given up 110 assists thus far. UConn’s defense permits a field goal percentage of 41.6% (264 of 635) and averages 28.9 rebounds per game. They allow opponents to shoot 39.2% from three-point territory and rank 76th in points allowed per game, conceding 66.9.
In their last matchup, the Butler Bulldogs fell to Marquette with an 80-70 scoreline. They secured 22 defensive rebounds and 3 offensive boards for a total of 25 rebounds in the game. The Bulldogs turned the ball over 14 times, while collecting just 1 steal. Marquette committed 14 personal fouls, granting Butler 15 free throw attempts, of which they converted 13, an impressive rate of 86.7%. From beyond the arc, Butler connected on 9 of their 22 attempts (40.9%). They shot 51.1% from the field, finishing 24 out of 47. Conversely, they allowed Marquette to score with a 42.7% field goal percentage on 32 of 75 attempts. Butler struggled from three-point range, hitting only 20.0% (6 out of 30), and managed 10 of 12 free throws for 83.3%. Defensively, they allowed Marquette to grab 36 rebounds, including 18 offensive boards.
Jahmyl Telfort emerged as a vital player for the Bulldogs, contributing 16 points in 38 minutes with 4 assists. He showcased his shooting accuracy by making 5 of 8 attempts for a 62.5% field goal rate, along with 10 rebounds.
Butler currently holds a record of 7-5 for the season. In terms of offensive performance, the Bulldogs have a field goal percentage of 45.1%, placing them 187th nationally. They have accumulated 876 points this season (averaging 73.0 per game) and pull down 36.2 rebounds per match. Butler is averaging 14.0 assists per game, ranking 193rd, while they turn the ball over 12.5 times, and commit 14.7 personal fouls per game with a free throw percentage of 76.2%.
On defense, Butler allows opponents to shoot 29.0% from beyond the arc (78 of 269) and 77.3% from the free throw line. They permit an average of 10.8 assists and 33.2 rebounds per game, ranking 50th and 121st respectively in the nation. The Bulldogs rank 117th defensively for points allowed per game at 68.7 and force 7.7 turnovers each game while limiting opponents to a shooting percentage of 39.4% (47th in college basketball).
Free Prediction: Bet on UConn (-9.5)
