Butler Bulldogs at SMU Mustangs Picks and Prediction for Saturday, November 15, 2025
Use Code WWWC The SMU Mustangs (3-0) will host the Butler Bulldogs (3-0) in a non-conference test for both teams. SMU was rated 44th in the Sports Illustrated preseason rankings, and Butler was 69th.
If you are struggling to pick winners, you've come to the right place. We have the best NCAAB Predictions available.
First test for Butler
Butler is led by head coach Thad Matta. Matta led the program during the 2000-01 season before his career led him to stops at Xavier and Ohio State before returning to lead the Bulldogs in 2022. Last season, under Matta, Butler went 15-20 (6-14 Big East) and lost in the second round of the College Basketball Crown 100-93 to Boise State.
They haven't faced the strongest competition, but the Butler Bulldogs are undefeated after three games. They opened up the season by beating Southern Indiana 88-58 followed up by beating IU Indy 112-80 in Chicago State 98-66. Butler players are averaging double figures and scoring, with Michael Ajayi (15 ppg, 12.3 rpg) dominating early. Ajayi is a 6’7 senior who played in 34 games for Gonzaga last season.
Get Free $30 Credit for Premium Picks + Exclusive Discounts
Subscribe Now
Strong start for SMU
SMU is led by head coach Andy Enfield. Enfield got on the national radar when he led Florida Gulf Coast to the Sweet 16 in 2013. He also led USC from 2013-2024, and is not entering his second season at SMU. Under Enfield, the Mustangs went 24-11 last season (13-7 ACC) and lost to Oklahoma State 85-83 in the second round of the NIT. They finished a KenPom rating of No. 50.
SMU is unbeaten after taking down Tarleton State 96-76, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 69-58, and Murray State 102-91. The team has gotten double-digits in scoring from five players so far, with Boopie Miller (20.7 ppg, 5.7 apg), Jason Pierre Jr (17.3 ppg), and Samet Yigtoglu (12 ppg, 8 rpg) leading the way. Miller and Yigotoglu are returning starters from last season, and Pierre Jr is a transfer guard who put up 21.6 ppg at Jacksonville State last season.
Butler vs SMU Predictions
ATS Spread Pick for Butler vs. SMU
- SMU Mustangs -6.5 (3 units)
After three games, SMU is rated 53rd according to KenPom and has faced the 291st-rated net schedule. Butler is 71st, but has only faced the 360th-rated schedule, so this will clearly be the biggest test for each team so far. Although Butler has a solid squad, they are at a disadvantage for going on the road for the first time this season, and they didn't face much resistance in their home games.
The SMU roster is more top-heavy, and I expect them to pull away late and cover.
Total Pick for SMU vs. Butler
- Over 169.5 (5 units)
This total jumps out for being extremely high, but the number is justified. SMU is 39th in adjusted offensive efficiency, 90th in adjusted tempo has reached 96 points in two of their first three games. Expect the Mustangs' high scoring to continue as they welcome in a Butler team that likes to run as well, and plays even faster (63rd adjusted tempo) and is 70th on offense. Butler has scored at least 88 points in all three of its games, and these teams combined should get us to another over.
Betting on College Basketball?
- Join Winners and Whiners premium for free and get a free $30 coupon with code FREE30
- Get started and wager on college hoops today with our favorite online sportsbooks
- Claim a CBB betting bonus offer with the best sportsbook promos
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
