Butler Bulldogs vs. DePaul Blue Demons prediction, pick for 2/22: Butler looks to extend DePaul's losing streak

Yardbarker Quick Pick

Neither team has been good this year, but Butler has been nowhere near as bad as DePaul, which is why we like the Bulldogs on the spread (+2.5, -102) and on the moneyline (+130). Butler already beat DePaul earlier this year and the Blue Demons have lost eight straight. Expect a close game, but for the Bulldogs to come away with the victory. — Jared Shlensky, Yardbarker

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Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Butler Bulldogs: +2.5 (-102) spread, +130 moneyline, over 138.5 (-110)
@ DePaul Blue Bulldogs: -2,5 (+110) spread, -140 moneyline, under 138.5 (-105)

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They went 7-for-26 from 3-point range, were outrebounded 45-29 and committed 19 fouls while going to the free-throw line just six times during Saturday's 68-62 home loss to the lowly Hoyas.

"We didn't have it," said Butler coach Thad Matta, whose team has failed to reach 70 points in nine straight contests.

"We gave up 14 offensive rebounds. We fouled 19 times ... Fouling is a sign of weakness. You are not playing hard enough when you are fouling."

Butler was whistled for 15 fouls but made 23 of 30 free throws during a 78-70 home victory over DePaul on Jan. 4.

The Bulldogs' current six-game road losing streak is their longest since dropping seven straight in 2003-04.

The Blue Demons (9-18, 3-13), though, are stuck in their worst rut since a 10-game slide during the 2016-17 campaign. DePaul shot 42.1 percent, trailed by 22 at the half and lost 82-68 at then-No. 16 Xavier on Saturday.

"These guys are resilient," said DePaul coach Tony Stubblefield, whose squad has allowed its last three opponents to average 85.0 points.

However, in the last four games, DePaul's Umoja Gibson has averaged 18.3 points while making half of his 54 field-goal attempts and going 15-for-34 from 3-point range. Gibson scored 16 at Butler last month.

Butler's Eric Hunter Jr. had 23 points and Jayden Taylor added 16 in the first meeting against the Blue Demons.

Taylor scored 21 in the loss to Georgetown and has averaged 19.8 points in five February contests.