Butler Basketball: Keys to success in crucial matchup with Seton Hall
Butler basketball is, once again, in dire need of a victory. What will it take for the Dawgs to defend Hinkle Fieldhouse and take down Seton Hall?
Butler basketball is in a precarious position. At just 12-10 (3-6 Big East) on the season, it is clear that the Dawgs are in the midst of a down season and they are currently sitting on the wrong side of the cutline in our most recent bracketology update at Busting Brackets (last updated on Feb. 1). With that said, though, the team is still very much on the bubble with the potential to play their way into the field during the coming weeks. And considering the Dawgs have dropped three consecutive games, their upcoming matchup with Seton Hall looks like a must-win game.
Both of these teams are solidly in the bubble conversation and will be eagerly seeking a win. Butler also lost the first matchup between these two teams this season so they will be out for revenge as well. Now, without any further introduction, let’s break down three potential keys to success for Butler against Seton Hall.
1. Play confidently on offense.
This has been a major issue over Butler’s three-game losing streak. Despite boasting several legitimate offensive threats, the Dawgs have struggled to operate efficiently on the offensive end and I think part of that comes back to confidence. It has seemed as of late that the entire team gets down on itself when shots are not falling and that cannot happen in this matchup. Butler absolutely needs this win and their best opportunity will come with aggression and confidence on the offensive end.
Even if this means that Butler forces the issue a bit too much, constant ball movement and aggressive takes to the basket will free up open looks and improve the confidence of everyone on the floor. And this is not just on one or two players. Everyone needs to stay engaged offensively both with and without the ball. This can come in the form of setting screens, making quick reads, and taking advantage of mismatches.
2. Force Myles Powell into mistakes.
Myles Powell is, without question, Seton Hall’s best player. One of the premier perimeter threats in the entire nation, he is the type of scorer that can almost single-handedly win games. And that is basically what he was able to do in the prior matchup between these two teams this season. Despite being shut down from the perimeter (2-for-8 from three), he shot 13-for-15 from the free throw line and finished with 31 points.
Since that performance, though, the junior star has struggled, especially with regards to turning the ball over. Over the past five games, Powell is averaging 18.2 points but doing so on just .410/.324/.727 shooting and is committing nearly five turnovers per game. In this matchup, Butler will need to stay aggressive in defending Powell by throwing multiple different looks at him and forcing him into mistakes. Fans should expect to see Powell covered by Kamar Baldwin, Aaron Thompson, and Henry Baddley at different points during this game.
3. Receive strong contributions from the bench.
Butler’s depth this season might be a major advantage on some occasions but it can also be a weakness. This is due to the fact that, because there are so many viable options off the bench, it is easy for head coach LaVall Jordan to quickly attempt to make adjustments when the team is struggling. And while many fans might want specific players to see extended minutes in hopes of them finding a rhythm, they might also complain if those players continue to struggle. In the end, Butler’s depth is a bit of a double-edged sword for the coaching staff.
With this said, though, Butler’s reserves are definitely an advantage in this matchup. The Dawgs not only have more options to turn to off the bench but their talent level is higher. With Butler going several players deep into its bench, it is reasonable to assume that they will be the fresher team throughout the game. Above all others, I think that Butler needs to see big games from Paul Jorgensen and Joey Brunk. These two players have both struggled as of late and could be poised for big games. If this duo, as well as the rest of the bench, post strong performances, then there will be plenty of weight taken off of the starters’ shoulders.
In summary, this is a monster game for Butler. If the Dawgs are going to make a run at an NCAA Tournament bid this season, it likely needs to start with this game. Despite recent struggles, they are still on the Big Dance bubble and there are plenty of opportunities left for Butler to play its way into the field. Will this be the game to start the streak?
Final Prediction: Butler Bulldogs – 78, Seton Hall – 70.