UTEP vs Butler betting
The breakdown: Two mid major teams face off in the first round. Both were favorites coming out of their respective conferences, and will be counted on to represent the Horizon League and Conference USA favorably.
Why Butler will win: Butler hasn’t lost a game in 2010, and a lot of that is due to their ability to limit other teams’ offensive rebounding opportunities. The Bulldogs are led by big man Gordon Hayward, who averages 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game.
Why UTEP will win: If not for a hiccup in the Conference USA finals, UTEP would have not been sweating out Selection Sunday. The Miners were one of the best teams outside of the big six conferences and were competitive against every ranked team they played this season.
Pick: Butler by three or less.
