The fourth-ranked UConn Huskies (12-2) square off with the Butler Bulldogs (10-4) at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, January 5 at 6:30 PM ET. The Huskies are moderately favored to win in this showdown with a point spread at -6.0 (-110).

The Huskies have won their last four out of five matchups coming into this battle. Their previous performance was an 85-56 dominance over the DePaul Blue Demons.

Cam Spencer scores 15.2 points per game and is shooting 49.6 percent from the field. Tristen Newton is getting 6.8 reboudbs and 5.7 assists per matchup, leading the Huskies in both categories.

The Huskies are getting 83.1 points per game and making 50.2 percent of their shots. Moving the ball to find the open man is not an issue for them, as they are averaging 18.3 assists per contest.

Defensively, they are great at slowing teams to 63.6 points per game. When it comes to extra action, they are getting 39.3 rebounds, 5.5 blocks, and 6.1 steals every game. 

The Bulldogs have lost their last two games, both of which were by similar margins. In their last defeat, they battled the St. John’s Red Storm, which ended in 86-70. In these last two defeats, they have allowed 85.5 points and have scored 72.5.

Pierre Brooks is averaging 16.4 points per game and making 48.9 percent of his shots. He is also making 72.2 percent of his free throw attempts, which is not the most appealing during key situations late in the game.

The Bulldogs are scoring 82.2 points per game and shooting 46.8 percent from the field. They average slightly less assists compared to the Huskies, at 15.1 a game. This could be a key factor in keeping the game close if they are able to move the ball

They are allowing opposing teams to average 71.9 points per game. They are also obtaining 38.1 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 6.4 steals.

MyBookie has the UConn Huskies as moderate favorites of -6. According to market analysis, the Huskies have a 67.9 percent chance at winning on the road.

The Bulldogs have bad momentum coming into this game, with one respectable defeat against the 23^rd-ranked Providence Friars that went into overtime. However, the Huskies have shown consistency and that they deserve to be within the top five best teams in the country. Look for the Huskies to close out and cover the spread.