Villanova has blown its last two Big East opponents at home (Seton Hall and Providence), but I still think they are laying too many points in this matchup. Butler is trying to get back off the mat after two losses to Creighton and Marquette and I think they'll find some air to breathe now that they're not going up against a Top 20 team. Butler has played well on the road against good teams and I don't see that changing here. I expect Villanova to win a close one, but this is too many points.

This is a rematch of a great double-OT game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 27 when Thad Matta’s Bulldogs finally pulled clear to win 88-81, with big buckets from UCI transfer G D.J. Davis (who scored 28...all after halftime!) proving invaluable. More often than not this season, Matta has been able to rely upon Davis and other transfer Gs like bullish Pierre Brooks (ex-Michigan State; 15.3 ppg), Jehmyl Telfort (ex-Northeastern; 13.9 ppg), and Posh Alexander (ex-St John’s, 11 ppg and 5.1 apg running the show from the point) to keep Butler afloat. Granted, Nova has won 3 of 4, but points look invaluable in this toss-up clash. Play Butler