It is difficult to call Butler a Cinderella anymore, given the fact that the school has reached the NCAA Tournament five consecutive seasons, but it will, nonetheless, be an underdog when it meets Wisconsin later this evening. Tonight's battle between the Bulldogs and Badgers, which will be broadcast live on TBS, is scheduled to tip off at 9:57pm ET at the New Orleans Arena. College Basketball Lines have Butler listed as a +4.5 college basketball picks dog; the game total is set at 124.
Despite the fact that both the odds makers and public are backing Wisconsin, Badgers Head Coach Beau Ryan has, no 
doubt, drilled his team on the dangers Brad Stevens' squad.
Butler's performance last week gave the Badgers plenty to worry about as it was dashed with equal parts coaching, talent, and luck. The Bulldogs, which are riding a 11 game win streak, certainly did not overwhelm either of their first two tournament opponents, beating No. 9 Old Dominion 60-58 on a last second tip and No. 1 Pittsburgh on a last second free throw. However, each contest showcased the Bulldogs tencaity, which allows them to stay in games, regardless of who they are facing.
Butler also has a roster full of players, led by Matt Howard, Shelvin Mack, and Ronald Nored, that are adept at dealing with the pressures of NCAA Tournament play. All three of those players were an integral part of the Bulldogs run to last year's national championship game.
Wisconsin, which has lost in the second round three of the last five years, made it through the opening weekend by overcoming Belmont 72-58 and Kansas State 70-65.
Per usual, the Badgers relied heavily on their long range prowess in both games as they nailed 12-of-22 from beyond the arc against the Bruins and 9-of-20 from downtown against the Wildcats.
Wisconsin also got big outings from its two star players last week with Jon Leuer scoring 41 points and Jordan Taylor tallying 33 points and 12 assists.
Tonight's game will come down to perimeter defense and rebounding as both of these squads like to chuck the three. The Badgers have the slightly better three point percentage (37.9 percent to 36.2 percent), but the Bulldogs defend the three better giving up 33.1 percent compared to the Badgers 37.3 percent.
Butler vs Wisconsin 2011 NCAA Bracket Predictions:
Butler Bulldogs +4.5 (-110), Over 124 (-110), +180 (Moneyline)
Wisconsin Badgers -4.5 (-110), Under 124 (-110), -200 (Moneyline)
