Villanova Wildcats vs Butler Bulldogs Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 01/03/26

The Villanova Wildcats will travel to Indianapolis on Saturday for a Big East Conference matchup against the Butler Bulldogs. Villanova heads into this game on a four-game winning streak and a 2-0 record in the conference. They have lost just two games this season and have a chance to get back to the NCAA Tournament. Butler is just 1-2 in Big East play and have not looked as good lately. They were just 4-3 in December, and I do not expect them to bounce back here. Villanova money line is even odds and that is my best bet of the game.

The Wildcats are my best bet of the game because they have proven they can beat power five competition. They have wins against DePaul, Seton Hall, Wisconsin, Pittsburgh and a close loss to BYU. The Bulldogs are just 4-3 against power five teams this year and I do not think their defense will be good enough compared to the Wildcats defense. Villanova’s defense has shown up in a big way against quality teams as they are ranked #9 in adjusted defense efficiency against top 100 teams, according to Bart Torvik. Butler’s defense is ranked just #118 nationally since December started and that could be the difference in this one. I expect Villanova to keep it rolling and get a road victory on Saturday.

*Villanova Money Line +100. Playable at -1*