Busting Brackets
Fansided

Butler Basketball: Keys to success against Seton Hall at home

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 06: Baldwin
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 06: Baldwin /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
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) /

1. Stay true to the universal gameplan.

Butler has been very successful so far this season because it knows its own identity. That much has been evident since the opening tip of the season. The Dawgs exude discipline, defend as a unit at a high level, rarely force the issue offensively, and are deliberate in their pace of play. This might not make for the most exciting brand in basketball but it is one of the most successful so far.

As has been the case in several games already this season, Butler will look to dictate the pace of this game right away. The Dawgs can win at a fast or a slow tempo but thrive at taking opponents out of their rhythms on both ends of the floor. Considering most opponents like to play at speed, this has resulted in Butler slowing things down more often than not. Butler will enter this game ranked at 330th nationally in tempo while Seton Hall sits at 124th.

Setting the tone of this game with methodical ball-movement and quick feet defensively will be vital for the Dawgs to keep the Pirates out of their usual sets. Given how both teams thrive on the defensive end of the floor, this should be a low-scoring game. If that turns out to be the case, I lean in favor of Butler winning a battle of halfcourt sets due to its more efficient offense and similarly stout defense.

Junior point guard Aaron Thompson has been exceptional at setting the pace of games for Butler so far this season. In addition to initiating the Dawgs’ offense, he is also a hounding on-ball defender at the point of attack. He might not be the star player for the home team but he is as important as just about anyone on the roster. Thompson will need to keep the Dawgs under control during pressure moments on both ends of the floor – something he has excelled at so far this season.

Butler has been so successful this season because it makes its opponents uncomfortable. The Dawgs slow down the pace, limit transition opportunities, defend at a high level, and work each possession for the best possible shot. That’s been the universal gameplan regardless of opponent thus far. Stay true to that.