Butler Bulldogs vs SMU Mustangs Prediction and Picks - November 15, 2025
Use Code SSWC It's the Big East vs the ACC in Saturday Afternoon college basketball action, and we have a Butler vs SMU prediction ready to rock and roll. The Bulldogs come in a perfect 3-0 on the year and off a 98-66 home win over Chicago State. SMU is also 3-0 out of the gate, and they come in off a 102-91 home win over Murray State. These teams met last year and Butler won that game at home by a score of 81-70. Read on to see our Butler vs SMU prediction.
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Buttler's Offense Is Humming
Butler has opened the season with authority, most recently dismantling Chicago State 98–66. The Bulldogs’ offense has been humming, averaging nearly 100 points per game while shooting 50% from the field. Finley Bizjack has been a standout, scoring 22 points on efficient shooting in their last outing, and his ability to create both for himself and his teammates has given Butler a reliable spark. The Bulldogs have also been relentless on the boards, pulling down over 50 rebounds per game, which has allowed them to control tempo and dictate pace against lesser opponents.
Offensively, Butler has shown balance, knocking down threes at a 38% clip while also attacking inside with confidence. Their ball movement has been sharp, with 60 assists through three games, and that unselfishness has made them difficult to defend. The Bulldogs have also been aggressive at drawing fouls, averaging 30 free throw attempts per game, which keeps pressure on opposing defenses. Against SMU, Butler will need to maintain that efficiency while handling a team that can match their tempo and athleticism.
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Defensively, Butler has been solid, holding opponents to just 68 points per game and forcing 15 turnovers per contest. Their ability to contest shots and limit second-chance opportunities has been key, though they’ll face a much tougher challenge against an SMU team that just put up 102 points on Murray State. The Bulldogs’ defensive rotations will need to be sharp, and their guards must stay disciplined against SMU’s perimeter attack. If Butler can keep the Mustangs from getting comfortable in transition, they’ll give themselves a chance to extend their unbeaten start.
SMU Hits Triple Digits On Murray State
SMU has been equally impressive in its 3–0 start, highlighted by a 102–91 win over Murray State. The Mustangs have leaned on their offensive firepower, averaging over 90 points per game and shooting efficiently from the floor. Their ability to spread the ball around has been evident, with multiple players contributing double figures, and their depth has allowed them to keep pressure on opponents for 40 minutes. Playing at home in Moody Coliseum, SMU will look to ride that energy and push Butler into a track meet.
Offensively, the Mustangs have thrived on pace and perimeter shooting. They knocked down nine threes against Murray State and converted 75% of their free throws, showing they can score in multiple ways. Their guards have been aggressive in attacking the rim, and their frontcourt has done enough to keep defenses honest. Against Butler, SMU will look to test the Bulldogs’ transition defense and force them into uncomfortable matchups on the perimeter.
Defensively, SMU has been more vulnerable, giving up 91 points in their last game and allowing opponents to shoot nearly 52% from the field. While they’ve been able to outscore teams so far, the Mustangs will need to tighten up against a Butler squad that has been efficient and disciplined offensively. Rebounding will be critical, as Butler has dominated the glass early in the season. If SMU can limit second-chance opportunities and force Butler into contested shots, they’ll have a chance to protect home court and remain unbeaten.
Butler vs SMU Pick
Butler vs SMU Spread Pick
- Butler +7 (2 Units)
Butler +7 has appeal because the Bulldogs have shown they can score in bunches and rebound at a high level, which helps them hang around even against stronger opponents. Finley Bizjack has been a steady offensive presence, and Butler’s balanced attack—mixing perimeter shooting with inside play—gives them multiple ways to generate points. Their ability to share the ball and get to the free-throw line also makes them tough to put away, especially if SMU’s defense continues to show cracks like it did against Murray State. Even if the Mustangs push tempo, Butler’s efficiency and rebounding edge should keep this within reach.
Defensively, Butler has been disciplined, holding opponents under 70 points per game and forcing turnovers at a solid clip. That kind of effort can frustrate an SMU team that thrives on pace and perimeter shooting. If the Bulldogs can slow transition opportunities and contest shots on the perimeter, they’ll limit SMU’s scoring bursts and keep the game tighter than expected. With their balanced scoring, strong rebounding, and defensive discipline, Butler has the tools to cover the spread and make this matchup more competitive than the line suggests.
Butler vs SMU Over/Under Pick
- Over 169.5 (2 Units)
The Over 169.5 looks like a strong play because both Butler and SMU have been lighting up the scoreboard early in the season, each averaging well over 85 points per game. Butler’s ball movement and efficiency from deep make them tough to slow down, while SMU thrives in transition and just dropped 102 points on Murray State. Neither defense has shown the ability to consistently clamp down, and with both teams pushing tempo and trading possessions quickly, this matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring shootout that clears the number.
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