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Butler Basketball: Keys to success vs. Creighton at home in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 21: Bryce Nze #10 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: Bryce Nze #10 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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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Baldwin of the Bulldogs attempts. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 20: Baldwin of the Bulldogs attempts. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Butler basketball opened Big East play with a road win over St. John’s. What should the Dawgs prioritize in their next game, a home meeting with Creighton?

Butler basketball has been one of the most successful teams in the country throughout the first two months of this season. Despite needing to overcome low preseason expectations, the Dawgs have barked out to a 13-1 record and a national ranking on the fringe of joining the Top 10. Head coach LaVall Jordan’s team has bought into defending at a very high level while also moving the ball offensively to find efficient shots on each possession.

Looking ahead on the schedule, Butler will return home for its next game but will be greeted by another very strong team in Creighton. The Bluejays are fresh off a 17-point home victory over Marquette in their conference-opener while the Dawgs were barely able to squeak out a road win over St. John’s. Nonetheless, both teams have proved so far this season that they belong among the top contenders for the Big East regular-season title.

The Big East looks poised to be the most competitive conference in the entire country but these two should both rank near the top of the standings throughout the season. Butler is highly-regarded as arguably the best defensive unit in the league whereas Creighton has the ability to fill it up offensively on any opponent.

Here is a quick overview on how these two teams match up against each other in national ranks:

NET Ranking: Butler – 4th | Creighton – 22nd

KenPom Ranking: Butler – 7th | Creighton – 39th

Adjusted Tempo: Butler – 337th | Creighton – 182nd

Adj. Off. Efficiency: Butler – 24th | Creighton – 11th

Adj. Def. Efficiency: Butler – 7th | Creighton – 99th

This matchup represents a battle of stylistic differences and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Butler might boast the home-court advantage but it is Winter Break so it is reasonable to assume many students will be missing from the crowd. Still, Hinkle Fieldhouse has the potential to be a raucous environment even when filled by only alumni.

Now, with tip-off approaching between these two squads, let’s dive a bit deeper with a preview. This piece will provide some background knowledge on Creighton, three potential keys to success for Butler, and then a pregame edition of my Hark’s Bark.