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The Butler Bulldogs and DePaul Blue Demons enter Wednesday evening's game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in very different places.
Butler, who amassed an impressive 11-1 record in nonconference play has insofar struggled in BIG EAST play, going 2-5 so far.
DePaul, on the other hand, has been a bit snakebitten all season, coming into this game at 7-12, but coming off the heels of a win in Milwaukee over Marquette last Wednesday, their first of conference play.
The Bulldogs need a win to avoid a clubbing blow to their NCAA Tournament hopes.
A win for the Blue Demons would go a long way in building confidence down the stretch.
Here's everything you need to know about the game.
How to watch or listen
Game time: 7 p.m. ET
TV: CBS Sports Network
Radio: 1070 The Fan (Butler), BlueTube (DePaul)
Gamblin' Info
Line: Butler is favored by 13.5 points, per OddsShark.
Records ATS: Butler 8-11 | DePaul 7-11
O/U: 148.5
3 Things to watch
1. Momentum
As mentioned above, DePaul's coming into this game off a win, while Butler's coming into the game off of back to back losses.
While some people believe "momentum" may not exist in sports, the Bulldogs certainly cannot afford to fall victim to overlooking the Blue Demons, especially considering the Bulldogs only won by five when they were at the Rosemont Horizon earlier this month.
It's also worth noting that BIG EAST home teams are 16-22 in conference play this season. It's not wise to overlook any team in the conference.
2. Butler's offense vs. DePaul's defense
The Bulldogs have the 16th best offense in the country, per KenPom. However, in conference play, they have just the fifth best offense in the BIG EAST.
The Bulldogs could turn that around in Wednesday's game, though, as they face a DePaul team who has been the worst in the BIG EAST since conference play began.
In the last matchup, Kellen Dunham totaled 24 points, his high in conference play. If Dunham is able to get open looks at will on Wednesday, the Bulldogs' offense will look as it did in nonconference play.
3. Myke Henry vs. Roosevelt Jones
DePaul's Myke Henry has been one of the most under-appreciated players in the BIG EAST this season, as he comes into this game averaging 14.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.
He'll likely be matched up against Butler's jack-of-all-trades Roosevelt Jones. Jones is averaging 14.0 points, 7.1 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game.
This should be a great battle on both sides of the ball for both of these guys.