Busting Brackets
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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against UC-Irvine in 2018-19

By Lukas Harkins

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Aaron Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Aaron Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half of the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

1. Speed up the pace.

Statistically, Butler basketball is one of the slowest teams in the nation when it comes to pace. Thanks to deliberate offensive plays and grind-it-out defensive possessions, the Dawgs rank 315th in the nation in pace while averaging 66.3 total possessions per game. These statistics, though, do not show how the Bulldogs have the potential to play at speed. With two creative playmaking guards and a roster that can run the floor extremely well, the Dawgs are capable of playing much faster than their current statistical rankings.

Head coach LaVall Jordan has also mentioned on countless occasions during media availability that he is working with his team regarding playing at a faster pace. Due to a number of factors (including facing zone defenses), though, the Dawgs have been unable to truly get out and run this season. Against UC-Irvine, though, Butler should look to push the ball whenever possible in order to score in transition. This is due to the fact that not only is UC-Irvine a dynamite defensive team in the halfcourt (44th in AdjD) but they also tend to play slower than most teams.

Perhaps most notably, sophomore guard Aaron Thompson is playing at an extremely high level right now. In addition to harassing opposing guards on the defensive end, Thompson has also taken the next step with his offensive play. He is consistently attacking the basket, making the right decision at the point of attack, and also knocking down open jumpers when necessary. With his abilities to create turnovers and find the open man in transition, it might be up to AT to push the pace in this one.