Butler Basketball: Keys to success at Providence in 2019-20

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Sean McDermott #22 of the Butler Bulldogs passes the ball in the second half of 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: Baldwin of the Bulldogs looks. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Value each possession and slow it down.

Providence has dialed back its pace of play during its current winning streak but Butler also excels in slow, drawn-out games. The Dawgs are among the disciplined teams in the nation on both ends of the floor as they are able to move the ball effectively on each possession to score while forcing opponents into late shot-clock situations on the other end. “The Dunk” represents one of the tougher places to play in the Big East and Butler has been far from successful in that arena.

Butler is just 3-11 against Providence all-time, including 1-5 in RI.

With that said, though, Butler is physical, disciplined, and determined. Those three words essentially summarize the Dawgs this season as LaVall Jordan’s mantras of “Tougher Longer” and “Gritty Not Pretty” are being exemplified on the court. Butler has played this season with a chip on its shoulder and you can be sure that the roster will be out for revenge after going 0-3 against Providence last season.

Providence is playing some of the best basketball in the Big East right now and it will be difficult for Butler to escape with the road victory. In order to make it happen, the Dawgs will need to stay true to what has made them a Top 10 team in the country.

This means leaning on Aaron Thompson as the team’s primary playmaker, working the ball side-to-side on every possession, avoiding turnovers, and finding the hot man. It would be prudent to create some open looks for Sean McDermott early and often as well considering he is one of the most feared shooters in the conference.

Additionally, Kamar Baldwin has now had several days off to recover from his injury. He should be nearly at 100% and the Dawgs will need their star to be exactly that…the star. Butler has won with Baldwin struggling on several occasions this season, but the team plays at its best when he is on his game. He is fresh off scoring 20 points in the second half alone against Creighton with limited mobility. Will he continue to be aggressive in targeting his spots on the floor for shots?