Butler Basketball: Keys to success on the road against Seton Hall
3. Kamar Baldwin needs to lead the way.
Butler has struggled tremendously on the road so far this season. That much has been evident in the Dawgs’ first two true road games (double-digit losses to Saint Louis and Florida), and a common denominator in those two losses was that Butler’s top player, Kamar Baldwin, struggled to find any rhythm. He scored 15 total points in those two losses on dismal shooting numbers (6-for-29, 20.7%).
In order to win this game, Baldwin needs to be at his best. Quite simply, when Baldwin plays like a Big East Player of the Year contender, this is a team that is very difficult to beat. Having said this, Baldwin will need to set the tone in this game for the Dawgs on both ends of the floor. An elite defender who can score as well as create for others, Baldwin is the type of player who can dictate how this entire team functions.
If Baldwin comes out of the gates with energy while playing efficiently offensively, the entire team around him should also play well. Baldwin really looked like a leader for the Dawgs in their win over Creighton this past weekend and he needs to once again push himself and his teammates to new heights in this one to take the victory. He scored 28 efficient points while recording four rebounds and seven assists in that win over the Bluejays.
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In the end, though, I just think that Butler’s struggles away from home will continue this one. It would be great to see the Dawgs turn the corner and record their second straight Big East win but I think the Pirates will be able to defend their home court. This, though, should be an extremely fun matchup.
Final Prediction: Seton Hall Pirates – 76, Butler Bulldogs – 71