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Butler Basketball: 3 keys for the Bulldogs against Creighton

By Lukas Harkins

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Sean McDermott #22 and Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs point against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 10: Sean McDermott #22 and Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs point against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center on February 10, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Jorgensen
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Jorgensen /

3. Baldwin, Jorgensen, Thompson

Aside from the All-Conference play of Kelan Martin, Butler’s strength this season has been in their guards. In each game, three different Bulldogs have the ability to handle the ball as the point guard on the floor. The most important part about these three is that they all bring something different to the table. They are very difficult to gameplan for because they force defenders into tough situations.

For starters, freshman Aaron Thompson is excellent in probing defenses. Although a poor shooter from 3-point range (two total makes), he brings much more to the table. Thompson plays with outstanding pace and sees the floor well. Despite averaging less than five points per game on the season, the starting point guard for Butler helps the offense run smoothly. That is, of course, without mentioning just how great he is on defense.

Speaking of defense, sophomore guard Kamar Baldwin is also excellent on the defensive end of the floor. He consistently locks down some of the best guards in the conference and is extremely quick. That quickness also allows him to be terrific in isolation situations. Baldwin is averaging 18.0 points per game in conference play this season and deserves to be in consideration for a spot on an All-Conference team.

Lastly, Paul Jorgensen saw a resurgence of play in Butler’s last game. Despite struggling to shoot from deep over the past month, Jorgensen brings elite energy to the floor for the Bulldogs. He came off the bench against Providence but relished that role. He was the leading scorer off the bench with 12 points and was also active on the defensive end of the floor.

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In order for Butler to win this game, they will need to focus on all of these keys. The Bulldogs are balanced enough to take the victory in this one with either their offense or defense. As long as they come out strong in front of their home crowd, the Bulldogs can beat Creighton and continue to stay firmly in the race for the third-place spot in the Big East.

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