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Butler Basketball: Takeaways from home win over Creighton

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates with fans after the game against the Creighton Bluejays at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 4, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Creighton 71-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates with fans after the game against the Creighton Bluejays at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 4, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Creighton 71-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Mahoney of the Bluejays reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Mahoney of the Bluejays reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Butler’s defense is suffocating.

Butler’s defense has emerged as its identity this season and that was once again the case against Creighton. Behind the stellar backcourt of Aaron Thompson and Kamar Baldwin, as well as the emergence of an improved frontcourt, the Dawgs are one of the best defensive units in the entire country. They shut down passing lanes, force teams into difficult shots, and limit second-chance opportunities.

Creighton entered this game highly-regarded as an explosive offensive team capable of lighting up just about any opponent in the country. With Marcus Zegarowski, Mitchell Ballock, and Ty-Shon Alexander on the perimeter, the Bluejays were well-known as an elite shooting team. Yet, Butler held that trio to just 4-for-15 from three and the entire team was limited to only 57 total points on 38.9% shooting from the field.

As a result of this sensational shut-down performance, Butler now ranks fourth in the country in adjusted defensive efficiency. This is largely due to the fact that the Dawgs are limiting opponents to just 26.4% shooting from three (7th-best nationally) and second-chance opportunities on just 78.1% of missed shots (8th-best defensive rebounding).

In addition to simply shutting down Creighton’s shooting efficiency, it is also important to mention that Bryce Nze came away with a monster block in the final stretch of the game.