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Butler Basketball: Keys to success in home matchup with Providence

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 1: Kyron Cartwright #24 of the Providence Friars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 1, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 1: Kyron Cartwright #24 of the Providence Friars dribbles the ball while being guarded by Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs in the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 1, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Thompson of Butler dribbles. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Thompson of Butler dribbles. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Take care of the ball offensively.

On the whole, Butler is one of the better teams in the nation when it comes to taking care of the ball. It might not seem that way when watching the team on some occasions but it is true. For the season, the Dawgs rank 43rd in the entire nation in turnover rate at just 16.5% of possessions. Additionally, the team has held a similar mark throughout conference play as they are third in the Big East at 16.8%.

Providence, though, has been the best team in the Big East at forcing turnovers defensively. To this point in the conference season, the Friars are forcing conference opponents into giveaways on 22.0% of possessions and they will be aggressive in playing passing lanes in this matchup as well. In order to take the victory in this game, Butler will need to focus on being strong with the ball while making the right reads and decisions.

In my opinion, this key to the game will come down to Aaron Thompson and Kamar Baldwin. Now in their second complete season as backcourt mates for the Dawgs, these two are usually fairly careful with the ball and that will hopefully continue in this matchup. They both command the ball for long stretches of each possession and will need to be on their games to avoid turnovers while still finding open shooters or cutters.