Busting Brackets
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Butler Basketball: 3 potential keys to success against Detroit Mercy

By Lukas Harkins

CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - JANUARY 02: Jordan the head coach of the Butler Bulldogs gives instructions to his team against the Xavier Musketeers at the Cintas Center on January 2, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs shouts. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs shouts. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

After taking down Miami (OH) in their season opener, Butler basketball is renewing a rivalry matchup with Detroit Mercy early in the new campaign.

Butler Basketball vs. Detroit Mercy. A renewed rivalry. Even though these two programs have not met since Butler left the Horizon League after the 2011-12 season, this should be an intriguing matchup based on their history. For a number of years, these two programs went head-to-head twice per year while members of the same conference. And they had their fair share of tremendous games.

Now, though, the teams are once again meeting in Hinkle Fieldhouse. And despite the fact that Butler will be the heavy favorites in this battle, it would be a mistake to overlook some of the emotions that may go into this game (even if none of the players involved have faced off against each other). For alumni and coaches alike, this is a true throwback game that should be fun for everyone involved.

So far this season, these two teams are heading in opposite directions. For Detroit Mercy, the team is currently 0-2 after suffering double-digit losses to Western Michigan and Temple in the opening week. Butler, on the other hand, dominated Miami (OH) in their season opener thanks to stellar rebounding and a strong offensive gameplan.

For the Dawgs, they should be able to walk away from this game with a win but not without showing up with a strong gameplan. Here are three potential keys to success for the Dawgs against the Titans. (All statistics found via Sports-Reference and KenPom.)