Butler Bulldogs vs Eastern Illinois Panthers Picks and Predictions December 3rd 2024

Butler Bulldogs Riding High After Arizona Success

The Butler Bulldogs (6-1) return to Indianapolis with momentum on their side following a successful road trip to the Arizona Tip-Off tournament. The Bulldogs edged Northwestern 71-69 on Thursday before downing then-No. 25 Mississippi State 87-77 on Friday, cementing their status as a team to watch in the nonconference slate.

Key to their success was Jahmyl Telfort, who exploded for 24 points against Mississippi State. Telfort was ably supported by Pierre Brooks II, whose 22 points and nine rebounds highlighted his versatility. A remarkable 12-of-22 (54.5 percent) shooting performance from beyond the arc lifted Butler in the tournament finale.

Reflecting on the team’s early season adversity, Telfort noted how the Bulldogs have grown:
“That loss to Austin Peay was a wake-up call. It helped us face adversity and stay focused on who we are.”

Butler’s head coach, Thad Matta, echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s trajectory:
“We’ll celebrate this win, then get ready for Eastern Illinois. We’ve got a heck of a two weeks ahead of us.”

Indeed, Butler’s schedule ramps up significantly after Tuesday, with matchups against No. 17 Houston and No. 11 Wisconsin, followed by Big East battles against No. 5 Marquette and No. 25 UConn.

Eastern Illinois Panthers Seeking Consistency

The Eastern Illinois Panthers (2-5) have faced a daunting schedule, with tough games against Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern (a narrow overtime loss), and DePaul. The team has shown flashes of competitiveness, particularly in their most recent outing, a 72-59 victory over Northern Illinois in the DePaul Classic MTE.

Nakyel Shelton starred in that game, dropping 26 points, while Kooper Jacobi controlled the glass with 16 rebounds alongside 19 points. The Panthers shot 57.7 percent from the field in the second half, demonstrating their ability to finish strong.

Despite their struggles, head coach Marty Simmons remains optimistic about the growth of his team:
“We’ve faced tough competition, but those experiences are preparing us for games like this. We’re starting to see better execution and chemistry.”

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jahmyl Telfort vs. Nakyel Shelton: Telfort’s scoring ability will be a key factor for Butler, while Shelton has shown he can carry the offensive load for Eastern Illinois.
• Rebounding Battle: Pierre Brooks II and Kooper Jacobi will be pivotal in controlling the boards, with Butler aiming to dominate the glass at home.
• Three-Point Shooting: Butler’s red-hot perimeter shooting could spell trouble for an Eastern Illinois team that has struggled to defend against top-tier competition.

Game Notes

• Last Meeting: Butler secured a 66-54 win over Eastern Illinois in 2021, also in Indianapolis.
• Butler’s Home Record: The Bulldogs are 4-1 at Hinkle Fieldhouse this season, with their lone loss coming against Austin Peay.
• Eastern Illinois on the Road: The Panthers remain winless in true road games this season.

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Prediction

Butler’s recent form, depth, and ability to hit from beyond the arc make them a tough matchup for Eastern Illinois. While the Panthers have shown resilience, particularly in their win over Northern Illinois, Butler’s balanced attack and home-court advantage should pave the way for another Bulldogs victory.

Butler 78, Eastern Illinois 61