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Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Louisiana Monroe in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 21: Derrik Smits #21 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 21: Derrik Smits #21 of the Butler Bulldogs shoots the ball against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 21, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 21: Thompson of the Bulldogs dribbles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Dominate the possession battle.

Incredible discipline has been arguably the most important factor in Butler’s success so far this season. The Dawgs are an experienced group and they constantly take care of the ball offensively as well as fight for loose balls. As a result, they rank in the top-40 nationally in both offensive turnover rate and defensive rebounding rate. The Dawgs simply do not beat themselves and that should once again be on display against Louisiana Monroe.

The Warhawks, in complete contrast fashion to the Dawgs, are quite poor on the glass and also commit a ton of turnovers. As a result, Butler should be able to absolutely dominate the possession battle en route to exhibiting a major advantage in total shot attempts. This could be such a big deal because winning this facet of the game should allow the Dawgs to exhibit a commanding lead even if they are not shooting the ball well from the floor (which can happen regardless of how open the shots might be).

With regard to turnovers, Thompson and Baldwin will be the headlining pieces. These two command the ball for the majority of Butler’s possessions while also proving to be the opportunistically successful defenders. Both players can come away with pick-pocket steals or read passing lanes to force turnovers. Considering ULM turns the ball over on 23.4% of its possessions, it is reasonable to think Butler will come away with some steals.

On the glass, Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden are the key pieces for the Dawgs. They might not be the top two rebounders by statistical measures, but they represent the starting frontcourt and do an impressive job clearing out the paint. Derrik Smits might also be able to use this game to get back into the swing of things as he has only competed in two games thus far due to injury. ULM ranks sub-250 in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates and the Dawgs should be able to dominate this part of the game as a result.

Opening a commanding advantage in terms of possessions could be crucial for the Dawgs as that would allow the team to easily take the victory even if they are not connecting on jump shots.