We weren't interested in Utah down the stretch and see nothing to change our minds at the Crown. Craig Smith was dismissed before the end of a disappointing regular season and replaced by Dallas Mavericks assistant Alex Jensen, but in the short term there has been roster upheaval, with no fewer than seven Utes leaving the program via the portal, including starters Lawson Lovering and Jake Wahlin. This is a real chance for Butler to salvage something from a disappointing campaign that likely puts real pressure on Thad Matta next season. The Bulldogs were formful, mostly losing to the better Big East entries and beating the lesser sorts, after enduring a tough pre-league slate. Assuming F Jahmyl Telfort (16 ppg) and bruising wing Pierre Brooks II (15.2 ppg) are making the post, Butler should have an edge. Play Butler (Crown at MGM Grand Garden, Las Vegas)