Providence Friars vs Butler Bulldogs Prediction and Picks - December 13, 2025
Saturday afternoon Big East college hoops action, and we have a Providence vs Butler prediction ready to rock and roll. Providence enters this game at 7-4 on the year, and they are off an 86-79 home win over Brown. Butler enters off a 77-68 home loss to Boise State, and they are now 7-2 on the year. These teams met in the Big East tournament last year, and Butler won that game by a score of 75-69. Continue reading to see our Providence vs Butler prediction.
Need a buzzer-beater? Our College Basketball Picks are game winners!
Friars Need Their Defense To Step Up
Providence’s most recent game was an 86–79 win over Brown on December 9, where freshman Jamier Jones came off the bench to score 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting. The Friars shot 46% from the field and hit 8 threes, but they had to grind through a competitive second half to secure the victory. It was their third straight win, following victories over Rhode Island and Fairleigh Dickinson, and it showed the depth of their roster with multiple contributors stepping up.
Offensively, Providence has been one of the most explosive teams in the country, averaging 90 points per game (18th nationally) while shooting 48.8% from the field. Jason Edwards leads the way with 18 points per game and has scored 20+ in five contests this season. Jaylin Sellers adds 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds, while freshman Stefan Vaaks has been a pleasant surprise, averaging 13.5 points and 3.5 assists. The Friars also shoot nearly 36% from three and an impressive 79% from the free-throw line, making them dangerous in close games.
Defensively, Providence has been less consistent, allowing 82.1 points per game (333rd nationally) and opponents to shoot 42.6%. They’ve struggled to defend the perimeter, giving up 37.8% from three, and rebounding has been average at 39.4 boards per game. Still, their ability to force turnovers (11.9 per game) and block shots, led by Oswin Erhunmwunse, gives them some defensive bite. Against Butler’s efficient offense, Providence will need to tighten up defensively while leaning on Edwards and Sellers to keep pace.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Bulldogs Lose Tough One To Boise State At Home
Butler’s most recent game was a 77–68 loss to Boise State on December 6, where Michael Ajayi scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, but the Bulldogs shot just 22% from three and 59% from the free-throw line. Finley Bizjack added 10 points, but Butler couldn’t overcome Boise State’s rebounding advantage and hot shooting from the line. It was their second loss of the season, snapping a four-game winning streak.
Offensively, Butler has been strong, averaging 87.6 points per game while shooting 49.6% from the field. Bizjack leads the team with 18 points per game and has been a reliable perimeter scorer, while Ajayi has been a double-double machine, averaging 16.2 points and 11.6 rebounds. Jamie Kaiser adds 10 points per game, and Yohan Traore provides size and scoring in the frontcourt. The Bulldogs share the ball well with 17 assists per game, and their balance across positions makes them difficult to defend.
Defensively, Butler allows 72.2 points per game and holds opponents to 42% shooting, which ranks among the better marks in the Big East. They rebound well at 42.7 boards per game, led by Ajayi, and force nearly 8 steals per contest. However, free-throw shooting has been a weakness at just 65.6%, and their perimeter defense has been shaky, allowing opponents to hit 31% from deep. Against Providence’s high-powered offense, Butler will need to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities to protect home court.
Providence vs Butler Pick
Providence vs Butler Spread Pick
- Providence +5 (4 Units)
Providence looks like a solid play catching +5, especially given how explosive their offense has been. Their most recent game was an 86–79 win over Brown on December 9, where freshman Jamier Jones came off the bench to score 16 points on 7-of-8 shooting, and Jason Edwards added 15. The Friars shot 46% from the field and knocked down eight threes, showing their ability to score efficiently even when the defense isn’t perfect. Providence averages 90 points per game (18th nationally) and shoots nearly 49% from the field, with Edwards, Jaylin Sellers, and Stefan Vaaks forming a dangerous trio that can attack from multiple spots. That kind of offensive firepower gives them a chance to hang around against anyone, even on the road.
Butler, meanwhile, is coming off a 77–68 loss to Boise State on December 6, where Michael Ajayi scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds, but the Bulldogs shot just 22% from three and 59% from the free-throw line. While Butler averages 87.6 points per game and shoots nearly 50% from the field, their inconsistency from deep and at the line has cost them in close games. Providence’s defense isn’t elite, but they do force turnovers and rebound well enough to disrupt rhythm, and their ability to score in bunches makes them dangerous as an underdog. With the Friars’ balanced attack and Butler’s recent struggles, Providence +5 feels like value, as their offense should keep them within striking distance throughout.
Providence vs Butler Over/Under Pick
- Under 169.5 (5 Units)
The Under 169.5 feels like the right angle in Providence–Butler because while both teams can score, the matchup sets up for a more controlled pace. Providence’s most recent game was an 86–79 win over Brown on December 9, where Jason Edwards and Jamier Jones led the way, but the Friars still showed defensive lapses that kept the game close. Butler, meanwhile, is coming off a 77–68 loss to Boise State on December 6, where Michael Ajayi had 16 points and 8 rebounds but the Bulldogs struggled from deep and at the free-throw line. Providence averages 90 points per game, and Butler sits at 87.6, but both defenses are better than their reputations—Butler allows just 72.2 points per game, and Providence forces turnovers while holding opponents under 43% shooting. With Butler’s rebounding edge and Providence’s tendency to grind possessions when shots aren’t falling, this matchup is more likely to settle into the 150s than push toward 170, making the Under 169.5 a strong play.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $200
