The Bulldogs have predictably regressed following a 15-1 start in which they played above their projected ceiling and also caught their share of breaks. Opponents have clamped down on standout Kamar Baldwin, forcing his teammates to step up. Butler received needed balance against Villanova, but its usually sturdy defense had a letdown. This is just too many points to lay against a solid Marquette club with a Butler team to find itself in tight games almost every time out.

Butler returns home on Friday hoping to avoid a fourth consecutive loss. The Bulldogs' scoring output has gone from 70 to 66 to 61 in the three losses. Expect Marquette to capitalize on a Butler team that will likely struggled on the offensive end again. Grab Marquette.