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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Wofford in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Lavall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs is seen during the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 30, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Lavall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs is seen during the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Hinkle Fieldhouse on December 30, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 06: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 06: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Dominate on the glass.

Wofford’s frontcourt is its biggest weakness this season. While the Terriers feature a pair of relatively experienced starting bigs with Trevor Stumpe (6-foot-5) and Chevez Goodwin (6-foot-9), there is not a ton of depth behind them. Wofford only deploys two reserves that are measured at over 6-foot-2 with Isaiah Bigelow (6-foot-7) and Messiah Jones (6-foot-6) but neither is a major proven threat.

Additionally, Stumpe is a very undersized power forward and can struggle against high-major opponents as a result. He seems to be at 100% health after missing most of last season but he is still not a superb rebounder. Stumpe only averaged 4.2 rebounds per game as a full-time starter two years ago.

Considering Wofford only features one player (Goodwin) that stands at over 6-foot-7, Butler could dominate on the glass. The Dawgs might not bring a ton of size to the frontcourt themselves but they are quite physical underneath. The “Bryce Bros” of Nze and Golden in Butler’s starting lineup are both extremely aggressive underneath and they are taking the team to new levels on the glass this season.

This is especially true with regards to the offensive glass as the Dawgs are currently ranked 59th in the country in that category (35.7%). Nze, most notably, is a force underneath and is averaging 13.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game through three contests. He excels with regard to finishing second-chance opportunities and could be Butler’s best individual matchup against Wofford (Nze vs. Stumpe).

Neither Butler nor Wofford turns the ball over a ton or forces mistakes defensively, so the possession battle will likely be won on the glass. That category leans heavily in favor of the Dawgs and they need to prove that on the court.