Virginia Cavaliers vs Butler Bulldogs Prediction and Picks - November 23, 2025
Use Code SSWC It's the ACC vs the Big East in college hoops action on Sunday afternoon, and we have a Virginia vs Butler prediction ready to rock and roll. Virginia comes into this contest off an 83-78 win over Northwestern to move to 5-0 on the year. Butler has gone 4-1 to start the year, and they are off a 79-72 win over South Carolina. These teams last met back in 2016, and Virginia won that game at home by a score of 77-69. Continue reading to see our Virginia vs Butler prediction.
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This Is Not The Same Virginia Offense
Virginia kept its unbeaten start alive, moving to 5-0 after an 83-78 win over Northwestern on November 21. Thijs De Ridder was the star, scoring 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting before fouling out late, while Chance Mallory added 16 points, hitting nine of ten free throws. The Cavaliers closed strong, finishing on a 13-4 run to secure the victory in a game that saw multiple lead changes. It was another test of Virginia’s depth and resilience, and they passed it with poise.
Offensively, Virginia has been balanced, averaging 89.2 points per game while shooting 47.4% from the field. A far cry from last year's team that averaged just 64.8 ppg, which was 354th in the nation. De Ridder leads the team with 19 points per game, while Mallory and Matthew Thomas provide perimeter scoring. Johann Grunloh has been a force inside, averaging 9.2 points and 7.4 rebounds, and his rim protection has been critical. The Cavaliers’ ability to spread the floor with shooters like Shane Lewis (47.4% from three) makes them difficult to defend, and their rebounding edge at 41.6 boards per game keeps possessions alive.
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Defensively, Virginia has been stout, allowing just 64.8 points per game and holding opponents to 37.2% shooting. Their rotations have been sharp, and they’ve forced teams into tough looks from deep. The Cavaliers’ ability to contest shots without fouling has been a strength, and their defensive rebounding has limited second-chance opportunities. Against Butler, Virginia’s combination of efficient offense and disciplined defense will be tested, but they’ve shown the ability to rise to the occasion in close games.
Butler Takes Down South Carolina
Butler improved to 4-1 after a 79-72 win over South Carolina on November 21. Finley Bizjack led the way with 19 points, while Michael Ajayi added 17 points and 13 rebounds in a dominant performance on the glass. The Bulldogs built a seven-point halftime lead and held off a late Gamecocks rally, showcasing their ability to close out tight contests. It was a strong bounce-back after their narrow loss to SMU earlier in the month.
Offensively, Butler has been impressive, averaging 92.4 points per game while shooting 48.9% from the field. Bizjack has been their leading scorer at 15.6 points per game, hitting 50% from three, while Ajayi has been a double-double machine with 14.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game. Jalen Jackson adds playmaking with 3.8 assists per game, and Jamie Kaiser provides another scoring option at 12 points per contest. The Bulldogs’ three-point shooting has been elite at 40.3%, giving them the spacing to attack inside and out.
Defensively, Butler has been solid but not elite, allowing 72.6 points per game while holding opponents to 42.5% shooting. Their strength has been defending the perimeter, limiting opponents to 28.3% from three, which ranks among the best nationally. Ajayi anchors the interior, while Traore and Jones provide size and rim protection. The Bulldogs’ rebounding at 42.2 boards per game has been a major factor in their success, and their ability to control the glass will be key against Virginia’s balanced attack.
Virginia vs Butler Pick
Virginia vs Butler Spread Pick
- Virginia -6.5 (4 Units)
Virginia -6.5 looks like the right side given how consistent the Cavaliers have been early in the season. They’re unbeaten at 5-0 and just knocked off Northwestern 83-78, showing they can handle tight games against quality competition. Thijs De Ridder has emerged as a reliable scorer at nearly 19 points per game, while Chance Mallory and Matthew Thomas provide perimeter balance. Virginia’s offense is averaging 89.2 points per game with solid efficiency, and their rebounding edge at over 41 boards per contest gives them second-chance opportunities that Butler will struggle to match.
Defensively, the Cavaliers are built to cover spreads like this. They’re holding opponents to just 64.8 points per game and limiting teams to 37.2% shooting, ranking among the nation’s best in defensive efficiency. Butler has been strong offensively, but Virginia’s ability to contest shots and control tempo should neutralize the Bulldogs’ three-point attack. With De Ridder anchoring the frontcourt and Mallory’s defensive pressure on the perimeter, Virginia has the tools to dictate pace and pull away late. That combination of efficient scoring and lockdown defense makes laying the 6.5 points a confident play.
Virginia vs Butler Over/Under Pick
- Under 155.5 (5 Units)
The Under 155.5 gains even more appeal when you look at how these two teams prefer to dictate pace. Virginia thrives in a slower, half‑court style, holding opponents to 64.8 points per game and forcing them into long possessions with tough looks. Their defensive rotations are sharp, and they rarely give up easy transition buckets. Butler, while averaging over 92 points per game, has padded those numbers against weaker competition and still allows just 72.6 points per game themselves. Their perimeter defense has been excellent, limiting opponents to 28.3% from three, which plays directly into keeping scores lower. Both teams rebound well — Virginia at 41.6 boards per game and Butler at 42.2 — which means second‑chance opportunities will be limited, further slowing the pace. Combine that with Virginia’s ability to grind games down and Butler’s defensive discipline, and you have a matchup that leans toward a defensive battle rather than a shootout. Even if both offenses find stretches of rhythm, the overall tempo and defensive efficiency point strongly toward the Under 155.5 cashing.
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