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Butler Basketball: 3 keys for the Bulldogs against Providence

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Xavier defeated Butler 98-93 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 06: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs reacts in the second half of a game against the Xavier Musketeers at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Xavier defeated Butler 98-93 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: McDermott
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: McDermott /

1. Lock in on defense

During this recent losing streak, Butler’s biggest issue has been on the defensive end of the floor. They gave up over 85 points in each of the last three games and that will need to be remedied in this one. The Bulldogs’ defense has been inconsistent all season and it can be the key to them securing quality wins down the stretch of this season.

For Butler, their offense is at its best when running in transition. Kelan Martin and Kamar Baldwin are excellent in pushing the ball up the floor and either finishing at the rim or dishing to shooters. Speaking of these shooters, Paul Jorgensen and Sean McDermott are two deadly snipers from behind the arc. As long as Butler is able to get stops and run, they can get out to an early lead and hold onto it.

In Butler’s road loss to Providence earlier this season, it was Kyron Cartwright who dominated the game. The Friars’ senior finished with 18 points and 11 assists to lead the way. He controlled the pace of that matchup at “The Dunk” and will need to be kept in check by the Bulldogs this time around. This means that Aaron Thompson and Baldwin will need to be on their game defensively.

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