Butler Bulldogs vs. Arkansas Razorbacks Odds, March Madness Betting Pick

Butler begins what it hopes is another run deep into the NCAA tournament when it battles Arkansas in an opening-round game Friday afternoon in Detroit. But the Bulldogs aren't the underdogs for this bout; they're actually giving the Razorbacks a bucket on the betting line.

March Madness point spread: This game opened as a pick'em; the total is at 152, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)

March Madness betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 75.3-74.9, Razorbacks (March Madness picks on every game)

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Why Butler can cover the spread

The Bulldogs went 10-3 through their non-conference slate this season, with a win over Ohio State and losses to Texas and Purdue. Butler then started 3-4 in Big East play but won six of its next nine games, with one of its losses coming in overtime to Xavier, which is a No. 1 seed for this NCAA tournament. The Bulldogs finished with two losses to end up at 9-9 in the Big East but beat Providence in the Big East tournament before falling to Villanova in the semifinals.

So with its at-large bid, Butler is at the Big Dance for the fourth straight season. The Bulldogs already own five wins against teams that made the NCAA tournament this season, and finishing .500 in a conference that sent six of its 10 teams to the Dance isn't bad, either. This team can battle with just about anybody.

Why Arkansas can cover the spread

The Razorbacks started 11-2 this season, with wins over tournament qualifiers Bucknell, Oklahoma and Tennessee, the losses coming against North Carolina and Houston. Arkansas then lost four of five in early January but rebounded to win nine of its last 13 to finish 10-8 in SEC play. The Hogs then won two games in the SEC tournament before losing to Tennessee in the semifinals.

So with its at-large bid Arkansas is making its second straight NCAA tournament appearance, and third in the last four years. Stretching back six weeks Arkansas is 8-3 SU and 7-3-1 ATS over its last 11 games.

For the season the Razorbacks have already played 16 games against teams that made the Big Dance, winning eight of them. Arkansas starts three seniors, including the back-court combination of Jaylen Barford and Daryl Macon, who together are averaging 35 points per game. And both are shooting better than 40 percent from three-point range.

Smart betting pick

This game might go down to the final moments, and in situations like that Butler seems to be the team that comes up with the plays. The smart money here bets on the battling Bulldogs.

March Madness betting trends

The total has gone under in 13 of Arkansas's last 18 games in March.

Butler is 5-2 SU and ATS in its last seven games against the SEC.

The total has gone under in 15 of Butler's last 21 games in March.

All college basketball odds and betting trends courtesy of Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.