The FAU Owls (2-1) and Butler Bulldogs (3-1) meet Thursday in a quarterfinal battle at the ESPN Events Invitational at State Farm Field House in Kissimmee, Fla. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the FAU vs. Butler odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.
The Owls are coming off a stunning 61-52 loss against Bryant at home, failing to win as a 23.5-point favorite as the Under (156.5) cashed.
FAU shot just 26% (17 of 65) from the field in the loss to Bryant, and a dismal 17% (5 of 30) from behind the 3-point line, while struggling at the free-throw line, too, at 65% (13 of 20). To make matters worse, the NEC opponent outrebounded the rank Owls 44-40.
Butler won and covered the 1st 3 games against Easter Michigan, SE Missouri State and East Tennessee State, before getting boat-raced by 20 points at Michigan State 74-54 last time out on Friday. The Under has hit in the past 2 games for the Bulldogs.