Tip off: 9 PM EST
Spread: Stan -12.5
Total: 123
M/L: But +700, Stan -1000
BUTLER
It seems the quasi back-to-back Cinderella Butler Bulldogs have made the return to what their program used to represent. Afthere their deep run in the 2011 tournament, they have come back to start this season 5-7, and they have lost four of their last five games.
Last year, they had a pretty solid defense. They held Horizon conference opponents to 1.02 points per possession, while averaging 1.11 themselves, which resulted in a 13-5 conference record.
The win over Purdue was encouraging, but the 16 point loss to Gonzaga was equally as devastating. Tonight’s game against Stanford will represent another big test, for a team that is 12.5 point underdogs and has gone 1-3 against major conference opponents this season.
They have been doing it with balance, or not doing it, depending on your outlook. The Bulldogs have a strong 8 man rotation, in which no one averages more than 10 points per game, and 6 of the 8 average 6 points per game or better.
Khyle Marshall, a 6’6″ sophomore, puts up 10.3 points per game, which is nearly double what he did during his freshman season. He put up 21 points and pulled down a quite anomalous and equally as impressive 16 rebounds in a 3 point loss to Ball State. He is hitting 57.1% from the floor this season, and as he continues to see an increase in both usage and playing time he figures to be a fixture for the Bulldogs in the upcoming two seasons.
STANFORD
Last season the Cardinal finished 15-16 with a 7-11 Pac-10 record, while losing to Oregon State by 2 in the Pac Ten First round. Their offense was pretty poor, to say the least, putting up under a point per possession, while their defense only allowed 1.03, which would have been enough for success with a more efficient offensive team.
Things have changed a bit this season….to make a huge understatement. The Cardinal have jumped out to a 10-1 start and received 61 votes in the AP Top 25 poll (which would essentially “rank” them 28th).
The Cardinal rank in the top 75 in all major statistical categories, save assists. They are putting up 74.7 points per game, yet only managing 13.5 assists per contest.
They have most of their offensive success due to the quartet of Josh Owens, Aaron Bright, Chasson Randle, and Anthony Brown. Owens, a 6’8″ senior center, has put up the team high 12.3 points per game, while also pulling down 5.1 boards per contest, in only 23.5 minutes per game. He has been consistent, but had bad games against Seattle and Then #5 ranked Syracuse. Still, his 21 point game against Oklahoma State, and his 19 against NC State, 17 aginst San Diego…all those performances speak to his ultimate ability, and he has had a decent career, that stretches back to the 07-08 season, due to both injury and red shirting reasons.
If you feel inclined to back up a bet on either of these teams, we suggest Bookmaker, from where these odds were taken. Also, take a look at our paid pick plans for the 2011-2012 seasons as our staff of handicappers murders the books again!
