NCAAB · Final

Butler Bulldogs Defeat DePaul Blue Demons 81-71

Saturday, March 7, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Wintrust Arena

Butler Bulldogs 81, DePaul Blue Demons 71, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Butler Bulldogs vs DePaul Blue Demons?

Butler Bulldogs beat DePaul Blue Demons 81-71 at Wintrust Arena on March 7, 2026.

Who was favored in Butler Bulldogs vs DePaul Blue Demons?

DePaul Blue Demons were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -192 (about 66% implied). The underdog won.

In a closely contested matchup, the Butler Bulldogs emerged victorious over the DePaul Blue Demons with a final score of 81-71 at the Wintrust Arena. This victory marks Butler's third consecutive win against DePaul, having previously defeated them in their last three meetings. The Bulldogs now hold a 3-0 record against the Blue Demons in the current season and last season, showcasing their dominance in this rivalry.

Both teams entered the game with identical records of 16-15, but their recent form told different stories. DePaul's last ten games resulted in a record of 4-6, with an average of 65.5 points scored and 69.3 points allowed per game. They were coming off a loss to the Villanova Wildcats, where they fell 57-76 on March 5. In their last five games, DePaul managed a record of 3-2, with a scoring average of 65.6 points and allowing 65.2 points.

On the other hand, Butler struggled significantly in their last ten games, posting a 2-8 record. They averaged 70.7 points scored while allowing a staggering 80.1 points per game. Their most recent outing ended in a 59-76 defeat against the Creighton Bluejays on March 4, and they have now lost two consecutive games. In their last five games, Butler recorded a 2-3 record, scoring an average of 72.2 points and allowing 77.0 points.

When looking at home and away performances, DePaul had a home record of 1-3 in their last four games, while Butler's away record stood at 1-4. This game was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams were looking to field their best lineups given the stakes of the game.

The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had DePaul favored by 4.5 points, with a total set at 142.5. The odds for DePaul to win straight up were -192.0, while Butler's moneyline sat at 160.0. The spread indicated a competitive matchup, reflecting the close nature of their previous encounters.

The game conditions were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams eager to secure a win to bolster their postseason hopes. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest, with key moments that highlighted the intensity of the rivalry.

As the game progressed, Butler's offensive execution proved crucial. Key plays included a driving layup by Brandon Maclin and a significant three-point jumper from CJ Gunn, which helped to extend Butler's lead in the second half. Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor contributed with crucial free throws, sealing the victory for the Bulldogs in the final moments of the game.

Overall, Butler's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities and their defensive resilience allowed them to secure the win against DePaul, further establishing their dominance in this matchup.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	DEP -4.5	142.5 o -112 / u -108	Butler Bulldogs +160 · DePaul Blue Demons -192

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsNJ Benson24DePaul Blue Demons
AssistsBrandon Maclin7DePaul Blue Demons
ReboundsNJ Benson10DePaul Blue Demons
PointsFinley Bizjack19Butler Bulldogs
AssistsMichael Ajayi5Butler Bulldogs
ReboundsMichael Ajayi11Butler Bulldogs

Recent form

DePaul Blue Demons

Last 10: 4-6Streak L165.5 scored · 69.3 allowed per game1-3 at home

L57-76vs Villanova WildcatsMar 5
W62-51at Marquette Golden EaglesMar 1
W72-71at Creighton BluejaysFeb 26
L68-71vs Providence FriarsFeb 22
W69-57at Seton Hall PiratesFeb 19
W72-71vs Creighton BluejaysFeb 12
L72-90at Providence FriarsFeb 7
L56-68vs St. John's Red StormFeb 4
L66-68at Xavier MusketeersJan 31
L61-70at Georgetown HoyasJan 29

Butler Bulldogs

Last 10: 2-8Streak L270.7 scored · 80.1 allowed per game1-4 away

L59-76vs Creighton BluejaysMar 4
L73-82at Villanova WildcatsFeb 26
W80-75vs Xavier MusketeersFeb 21
W93-89at Georgetown HoyasFeb 18
L56-63vs Seton Hall PiratesFeb 15
L70-80vs UConn HuskiesFeb 12
L55-70at Marquette Golden EaglesFeb 7
L87-97at Providence FriarsFeb 5
L64-77vs Georgetown HoyasJan 31
L70-92at St. John's Red StormJan 29

Standings

Team	Overall	Games behind	In conference
St. John's	30-7	-	18-2
UConn	34-6	1	17-3
Villanova	24-9	3	15-5
Seton Hall	21-12	8	10-10
Creighton	16-18	9	9-11
DePaul	16-16	10	8-12
Butler	16-16	11	7-13
Providence	15-18	11	7-13
Marquette	12-20	11	7-13
Georgetown	16-18	12	6-14
Xavier	15-18	12	6-14

Box score

Stat	Butler Bulldogs	DePaul Blue Demons
Field goals	25-61	26-69
Field goal %	41	38
Three-pointers	6-18	6-26
Three-point %	33	23
Free throws	25-30	13-20
Free throw %	83	65
Rebounds	48	35
Offensive rebounds	18	16
Defensive rebounds	30	19
Assists	18	18
Steals	8	8
Blocks	4	5
Turnovers	16	11
Team turnovers	2	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	17	19
Fast-break points	15	9
Points in the paint	36	38
Fouls	17	19
Largest lead	29	2
Lead changes	6	6
Time in front	92	4

How the scoring went

2nd Half59-36Michael Ajayi makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half61-36Jamie Kaiser Jr. makes driving layup (Michael Ajayi assists)
2nd Half61-37Layden Blocker makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half61-38Layden Blocker makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-38Yohan Traore makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half63-38Yohan Traore makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half65-38Finley Bizjack makes driving layup
2nd Half66-38Yohan Traore makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half67-38Yohan Traore makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-41Kaleb Banks makes 24-foot three point jumper (Brandon Maclin assists)
2nd Half67-43Kaleb Banks makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half67-46Layden Blocker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Brandon Maclin assists)
2nd Half69-46Michael Ajayi makes 5-foot hook shot
2nd Half69-49Brandon Maclin makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kaleb Banks assists)
2nd Half69-51NJ Benson makes layup (CJ Gunn assists)
2nd Half69-52NJ Benson makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half69-53Brandon Maclin makes free throw 1 of 3
2nd Half69-54Brandon Maclin makes free throw 2 of 3
2nd Half70-54Finley Bizjack makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half70-56NJ Benson makes driving layup
2nd Half70-58NJ Benson makes 4-foot alley oop dunk (Brandon Maclin assists)
2nd Half71-58Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half72-58Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half72-60Kaleb Banks makes layup (Layden Blocker assists)
2nd Half73-60Finley Bizjack makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half74-60Finley Bizjack makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half74-61Layden Blocker makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half74-62Layden Blocker makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half74-64CJ Gunn makes driving layup
2nd Half74-65CJ Gunn makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half75-65Michael Ajayi makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half76-65Michael Ajayi makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half76-67Brandon Maclin makes driving layup
2nd Half77-67Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half77-70CJ Gunn makes 24-foot three point jumper (Layden Blocker assists)
2nd Half78-70Finley Bizjack makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half79-70Finley Bizjack makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half79-71Kaleb Banks makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half80-71Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half81-71Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor makes free throw 2 of 2