VMI vs. Butler: Game time, TV schedule, odds and more

The last time the Butler Bulldogs faced off against a team from the Southern Conference, the Bulldogs scored 144 points.

While that likely won't happen when the VMI Keydets come to Hinkle Fieldhouse on Monday night, the Bulldogs should have a chance to continue their offensive successes they've attained so far this season.

How to watch, listen, or stream

Game time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: FOX Sports Network (check local listings)

Radio: 1070 The Fan (Butler)

Live Stream: FOX Sports Go (where available)

Gamblin' Info

Line: Butler opened as a 22-point favorite, but that line has jumped to 22.5 or 23 in some places, per OddsShark.

Records ATS: Butler is 3-4 against the spread this season while VMI is 1-2.

O/U: 151.5

Series History

This is the first time Butler and VMI have ever faced off. In fact, VMI hasn't faced any member of the "new Big East" since the conference came to be. The last Big East team VMI faced was Pittsburgh in December 2011.

To find the last time VMI faced a member of the current Big East, you have to go back to December 2009, when they lost to Seton Hall.

Butler coach Chris Holtmann has experience against VMI, though. As head coach of fellow Southern Conference member Gardner Webb, Holtmann compiled a 2-3 record against the Keydets.

Three things to watch

1. Will Butler get off to a good start?

The past two games at Hinkle Fieldhouse (SIU-Edwardsville and Indiana State), the Bulldogs have had poor starts. holding just a one point lead at the half against SIU and a six point lead at the half against Indiana State.

The Bulldogs made the necessary adjustments at the half both times and cruised to double-digit victories, but it's certainly going to be alarming if the Bulldogs make a trend of slow starts, especially once Big East play rolls around.

Following the VMI game, Butler has two tough tests on the horizon against Tennessee and Purdue, respectively. They should look to use this game work the kinks out of their game as they go into those two.

2. Can Kelan Martin continue his offensive surge?

Kellen Dunham has been the Bulldogs' offensive leader for most of the season. But, on Saturday against Indiana State, it was Martin who led the Bulldogs in scoring with a career-high 24 points.

Martin's averaging 12.7 points per game so far this season, up from the 7.1 he totaled during his freshman campaign.

It's nice for the Bulldogs to have an additional scoring option on nights when Dunham or Roosevelt Jones may not be 100%.

3. VMI's two-point shooting and three-point defense

The Keydets are one of the worst two-point shooting teams in the country. They shoot just 39% inside the arc, which is 340th (of 351) teams in the country.

Conversely, Butler's two-point percentage against is 46.3%, which is 122nd in the country. If that trend continues for both sides, the Bulldogs should be in the driver's seat.

However, one thing Butler has to pay attention to is VMI's three-point defense. The Keydets are 41st in the country at defending the three-point shot. Opponents are shooting just 29.8% against them. Butler is shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc this season, so something has to give.