Butler vs. Southern: Time, TV channel, watch online

THE FACTS

Time and Date: Saturday, December 14 @ 12:00 pm ET

Records: Butler (9-1) | Southern (3-7)

Rankings: Butler (#11 KenPom) | Southern (#339 KenPom)

TV Channel: FS1

Watch Online: FOX Sports GO

GAME PREVIEW

The Butler Bulldogs will finally receive a respite from the substantial demands of their non-conference schedule Saturday when they will face the Southern Jaguars in a classic pre-finals-week match-up. After five consecutive games against high-major opponents, LaVall Jordan’s team will welcome a home contest against one an opponent that has struggled mightily over the last couple seasons.

Southern is one of the worst teams in the nation according to KenPom, coming in at #339 out of 353. The Jaguars finished 7-25 in 2018-2019 and don’t seem to be turning things around this season — though at 3-7, they are winning at a slightly higher clip than last year. Their best win so far came against IUPUI, whom Butler also beat; the Jaguars also managed to hang around against a middling Nebraska team, losing by just seven points.

With how well Butler has played recently, a Southern victory would be a shocking upset — far more surprising than either the Evansville over Kentucky win or Stephen F. Austin’s toppling of Duke. In all likelihood, this will be an opportunity for Butler to work on its offensive execution and tune up for next week’s contest against Purdue.