Butler Basketball: Takeaways from road win over Providence

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs drives to the basket while defended by Ty-Shon Alexander #5 and Kelvin Jones #43 of the Creighton Bluejays in the first half of the game 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: Coach Jordan of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Butler’s interior defense is flat-out elite.

Butler’s ability to shut down the perimeter is well-documented as its opponents are shooting just 26.2% from three so far this season. This statistic, though, is often swayed by luck and the Dawgs will eventually surrender a bunch of threes in a game this season. Even with elite defenders in Kamar Baldwin and Aaron Thompson outside, some teams will still find ways to bury trifectas.

That’s just how that statistic goes even though Butler is obviously strong on the perimeter.

With that said, though, Butler’s defense can withstand a 3-point barrage because of how good it is inside. Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden have been absolutely sensational this season with regard to protecting the paint and the entire roster works as a unit when bringing help defense. Butler’s defensive rotations are among the crispest in the nation and its team chemistry is always evident.

That was once again the case against Providence. Even while surrendering 11 offensive rebounds, the Dawgs stayed vigilant in holding their ground defensively in the paint. Providence was held to just 13-for-35 (37.1%) shooting inside the arc in this game as the Dawgs consistently collapsed on the paint and made near-proximity shots far more difficult than normal.

Butler’s opponents are shooting just 43.5% on 2-point attempts so far this season (31st-best in the nation) and that is what makes this team so special on the defensive end. A low 3-point percentage allowed can be somewhat attributed to luck even with guys like Baldwin and Thompson defending. This level of continued success in the paint defensively, though, is a mark of an elite defensive team.