Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Florida in 2018-19

NEW ORLEANS, LA - MARCH 26: Shelvin Mack #1 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates defeating the Florida Gators 74 to 71 in overtime by cuttin down part of the ner during the Southeast regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at New Orleans Arena on March 26, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Head coach Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs looks on. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Win the turnover battle.

Through the opening month and a half of this college basketball season, both Butler and Florida have been incredible in regards to creating turnovers defensively and limiting them on the offensive end. Because both teams value possessions and also get out in transition, the turnover battle in this game will be incredibly important. For reference, here are the statistics for both teams in regards to handling and dishing out pressure defensively:

When Butler has the ball…

Butler’s offensive turnover percentage: 16.0% (30th in the nation)
Florida’s defensive turnover percentage: 24.7% (7th in the nation)

When Florida has the ball…

Florida’s offensive turnover percentage: 17.1% (62nd nationally)
Butler’s defensive turnover percentage: 21.2% (72nd nationally)

In regards to Butler only, handling this facet of the game will be up to Aaron Thompson and Kamar Baldwin. Two of the best defending guards in the nation, these two can get after just about any opponent in the country and also create for others well on the offensive end of the floor. As Eric mentioned earlier, Baldwin was particularly spectacular in the first meeting between these two teams as he harrassed KeVaughn Allen for most of that matchup. He will hopefully do the same as Thompson looks to lock down freshman Andrew Nembhard as well.

On the offense end, these two cannot let Florida come away with steals and easy baskets. The Gators rank ninth in the nation in defensive steal percentage (12.6%) and can make life extremely difficult for the Dawgs. During the first battle between these two teams, Butler only turned the ball over just 10 times (three by Baldwin+Thompson). If they are able to limit turnovers, Florida will have a difficult time finding an offensive rhythm.

Additionally, forcing turnovers might also be a way for Butler to speed up their offense. Florida’s defense does a tremendous job slowing down offenses (19.0 seconds per defensive possession, 3rd-slowest in the nation) and the Dawgs will want to find easy looks early in the shot clock. The slow-paced Battle 4 Atlantis game between these two teams (57 total possessions) ended in Butler’s favor but that might not be the case in Gainesville.