Butler Bulldogs vs UConn Huskies Match Preview – Players to Watch, Head to Head, and Prediction

The Butler Bulldogs will square off against the University of Connecticut Huskies at the Hinkle Fieldhouse on Friday. While the Bulldogs enter the game with a 10-4 tally, the Huskies will start the contest with a 12-2 record.

Both the teams belong to the Big East and it will be an interesting watch for the fans who want to see the UConn win the conference games.

Players to Watch

The Bulldogs have performed decently with their guard Pierre Brooks potting the team’s highest 16.4 points per game. He has basketed a respectable 229 points in the 14 games he has played so far. If the Bulldogs want to put up a resilient show, Brooks will have to be the alpha and outclass his opponents with his offensive skills.

Other than Brooks, the Bulldogs have another exceptional guard in Jahmyl Telfort. Telfort averages 14.4 points per game only second next to Brooks. Other than his offensive skills, he has shown remarkable defense finesse, nabbing 4.6 rebounds per match.

The Bulldogs have shown good team effort until the fourth player after which their points average drops below double digits. Hence, the leading men will have to take charge once again if they want to emerge victorious.

The Huskies have found their alpha in two guards – Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton, who average quite close. While Spencer has 15.2 points per game, Newton has thrashed 15 points per match. Spencer showed his brilliance on the court in his last game against the DePaul by sousing 20 points and will most probably continue his on-song performance.

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Another player to look for will be Tristen Newton. Newton not only has shown exceptional skills in scoring but also stands at the top for his team in rebounds, assists, and steals. Many of the UConn wins have been possible due to Newton. The Bulldogs will have to contain him if they want to make the most of this game.

Head to Head

As per Omaha World-Herald, the UConn have a clean record of 7-0 against the Bulldogs since 2011. The last time they met, the UConn dealt with their Big East competitors harshly, defeating them by an 86-56 margin. The closest the Bulldogs ever came was in 2021 when they lost the game by only 12 points. Overall, the clashes have been for the UConn to claim. It will be interesting to watch if the UConn are able to repeat their exploits.

Prediction

The UConn should look to rotate their players and test their bench strength. The Bulldogs on the other hand would be aggressive about giving their best. Both the teams’ offenses are captivating to watch and the game might be high-scoring.

Alternatively, the UConn can also see this as a serious matchup and try to defeat the Huskies with their core players and without much rotation. 

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Nonetheless, it will be a good game for the Bulldogs to check their preparations.