Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Morehead State in 2019-20

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 02: Aaron Thompson #2 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against Jermaine Samuels #23 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on March 2, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MARCH 02: Thompson of Butler defends. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

3. Stifle ball-handlers and stay opportunistic.

While personnel improvements in the frontcourt have been crucial to Butler’s strides on the defensive end so far this season, Baldwin and Aaron Thompson are the best defenders on the roster. The upperclassmen guards are absolutely dynamite with regard to winning their individual matchups defensively while also being vocal leaders for the entire unit. They are two of the best perimeter defenders in the entire country and the Dawgs’ system centers around their abilities.

With regard to this particular matchup, Butler’s guards could terrorize Morehead State into turnovers. The Eagles are not regarded as a great passing team (48.7% A/FGM this season, 210th) as they tend to let their guards attempt to win one-on-one matchups to attack the basket. Baldwin and Thompson should be able to stifle those driving lanes and force players like Jordan Walker to give up the ball.

When that happens, the Dawgs’ supporting pieces should be aggressive in forcing turnovers. Butler currently ranks 81st in the country in defensive turnover rate (22.4%) while Morehead State’s offense turns the ball over on 21.2% of possessions (234th nationally). The Dawgs should be able to take advantage of this and score in transition.

Missouri’s defense was able to force Morehead State into 16 turnovers and Butler will look to do the same. The Dawgs have done an exceptional job taking opponents out of their respective systems and making teams feel uncomfortable without applying pressure so far. They are simply elite in stopping ball-movement and are opportunistic in their steal attempts. That should be on display again in this one.

Considering Butler’s offense ranks eighth nationally in turnover rate (12.4%), the team should open up a sizable possession gap as a result of this key, as well as hard work on the glass as already discussed. It will be very difficult for Morehead State to pull off the upset if Butler is commanding the time of possession and attempting more shots.