Butler Basketball: Keys to success at home against St. John's

Butler Basketball: Keys to success at home against St. John’s

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 16: St. John's Red Storm players stretch before the game against the Butler Bulldogs wearing tee shirts honoring Butler player Andrew Smith at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 16, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated St John's 78-58. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – FEBRUARY 10: McDermott, Baldwin, and Fowler celebrate. /

2. Limit turnovers and get back on defense

On the offensive end of the floor, St. John’s is at its best when running in transition and moving the ball fluidly in the halfcourt. This is backed up statistically by the fact that the Red Storm average 15.3 seconds per offensive possession. This mark comes in as the 19th-fastest in the nation at this point in time. Given this, Butler will need to limit turnovers and get back on defense after missed shots to avoid giving up too many fast-break opportunities.

Thankfully, the Dawgs are quite solid in both of those areas; they turn the ball over on just 16.1% of possessions (25th nationally) and slow teams down to 17.7 seconds per possession defensively (84th-slowest). In order for Butler to continue these trends against St. John’s, their guards will need to be at their best on both ends of the floor. In addition to playing strong defense on the perimeter, as referenced earlier, they will need to take care of the ball offensively.

Butler’s offense has been more efficient than its defense so far this season so slowing down St. John’s transition opportunities will come down to fundamental offensive play.