Butler Basketball: Keys to success on the road against Georgetown

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

2. Slow down the pace defensively.

Another major key to this game will be slowing down Georgetown’s high-octane offense. With electric point guard James Akinjo leading the way, this Hoyas team can really get out and score in a hurry. For the year, Georgetown’s offense is running at the 14th-fastest pace in America thanks to spending just 15.3 seconds on each set. When they are allowed to operate at their maximum potential, the Hoyas can run up the score in a hurry.

Having said this, Butler will need to find a way to limit transition opportunities after missed shots and force longer possessions in the halfcourt. Georgetown’s ball movement is arguably the best in the entire Big East and therefore the defensive key for Butler in this one will be staying disciplined. As long as the Dawgs stay in their positions and lock down their individual matchups, they should be in fine shape. The issue, though, is that fans have not seen an elite defensive performance out of Butler in some time.

In my opinion, Butler’s best defense this season has been its offense. When the Dawgs are hitting shots offensively, they are much more confident and locked in on the defensive end of the floor. And that is what leads me into my last key to success for Butler to take down Georgetown on the road.