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Butler Basketball: 3 takeaways from riveting win over Ole Miss

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Paul Jorgensen #5 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts after a three point basket during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 16: Paul Jorgensen #5 of the Butler Bulldogs reacts after a three point basket during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 16, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates his shot. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 08: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates his shot. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

3. Free throws win basketball games.

It is just that simple. Ole Miss and Butler played very similar games throughout last night but the only major difference between the two teams came at the foul line. And in a game that featured a ridiculous 43 total foul calls, this free throw shooting turned out to be the difference in the game. In the second half, Butler absolutely dominated from the line in comparison to Ole Miss. They were not only able to get to the stripe more effectively but took advantage of each opportunity.

  • Butler free throw shooting: 23-for-27, 85.2% (18-for-18, 100%, in the second half)
  • Ole Miss free throw shooting: 13-for-21, 61.9% (6-for-9, 66.7%, in the second half)

This was truly the biggest difference in the game statistically and that much was obvious when watching the game. For Butler, this is a great sign moving forward. Many expected (myself included) that the Dawgs would be one of the better free throw shooting teams in the nation this season but the fact that they were able to compose themselves and make their last 22 free throws of the night (started 1-for-5 from the line) was impressive.

Most importantly, star guard Kamar Baldwin, who struggled all night from the field (5-for-17 FG), was absolutely lights out from the free throw line down the stretch of the game. He finished 12-for-12 from the free throw line as he seemed to draw fouls at will in the closing minutes. It is also important to note that Aaron Thompson, who shot just 53.9% from the line a season ago, looks much more comfortable with his shooting stroke and knocked down two huge free throws down the stretch.

Butler is going to be in several tight games this season and free throw shooting could end up being the difference in many of them. The Dawgs are shooting over 80% from the line so far in this early season.

Power Rankings after Week 1. dark. Next

On the whole, this was not a perfect game for Butler basketball but it was a win nonetheless. There were plenty of positive takeaways from the game and it will be interesting to see how the Dawgs perform in the Bahamas during the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament next week.