The Butler Bulldogs and Houston Cougars meet in college basketball action on Saturday at Hofheinz Pavilion. Here’s a prediction between Houston and Butler. We’ll look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best choice between Houston and Butler.

Butler Bulldogs betting preview

The Bulldogs defeated Missouri State in their opener this year and then lost to Austin Peay in their second game. Since then, however, there have been wins against Western Michigan, SMU, Merrimack, Northwestern, Mississippi State and Eastern Illinois.

On Tuesday against Eastern Illinois, the Bulldogs led by nine points in the second half and went on a 37-31 run and a 73-58 victory. Both Jahmyl Telfort and Patrick McCaffery scored 20 points each and combined for 13 rebounds.

Houston Cougars Betting Preview

On the Cougars’ side, they went 3-1 in their first four games, with a loss to Auburn and wins over Jackson State, Louisiana and Hofstra. Since then, it’s been a one-two punch for Houston, with losses to Alabama and San Diego State.

In last Saturday’s game against the Aztecs, the Cougars gave away a five-point halftime lead and ultimately lost 73-70 in overtime. Emanuel Sharp led the team with 23 points in the loss, while LJ Cryer added 21 points with two assists.

Why the Houston Cougars will win

• Houston has won each of its last 25 games at the Fertitta Center.
• Butler has lost each of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Houston has won the first half in each of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents at the Fertitta Center.

Why the Butler Bulldogs will win

• Butler has won each of its last six games.
• Butler has won the first half in each of its last six games against non-conference opponents.

Houston vs Butler Prediction

I’m staying here near Houston. However, the Cougars could use a good performance. In the OT loss to San Diego State, Houston shot just 37.1 percent from the field on 12 turnovers but had a 40-38 edge on the boards. It was the Cougars’ second overtime loss in their last three games, but the good news is that overall Houston is holding up pretty well against comparable teams this year.

As for Butler, they had no problems against Eastern Illinois in their last win (aside from the 17 turnovers), shooting 52.3 percent from the field. The Bulldogs have scored 71 or more points in each of their seven wins so far, with 66 points in their only loss. If both teams play to their capabilities, the total here should be pretty high, but I like Houston a little better in coverage.