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Butler Basketball: Keys to success on the road at DePaul in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs posts up against Myles Cale #22 of the Seton Hall Pirates in the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs posts up against Myles Cale #22 of the Seton Hall Pirates in the first half at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Thompson of the Bulldogs handles. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Thompson of the Bulldogs handles. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

1. Move the ball and assert tempo.

Butler dropped its most recent game in part because it lost control of the tempo in the second half. With Aaron Thompson on the bench due to foul trouble, Seton Hall was able to speed up the pace of the game and mess with Butler’s universal gameplan. Butler had been exceptional at taking opponents out of their rhythms throughout this season but The Hall turned the tables in that area of the game. With regard to this particular contest, Butler will once again look to set the tone with its slow-paced, deliberate offense and lockdown defense.

In order to secure this road victory, Butler will need to return to its usual style of play. On the offensive end, that means moving the ball side-to-side on each possession and relying on Thompson to probe the inside to create open looks. The team also needs to avoid silly turnovers. The Dawgs are usually very careful with the ball but have turned the ball over a lot more than normal recently. DePaul enters this game ranked 27th nationally in defensive turnover rate forced and that allows it to get out in transition and excite the crowd.

Defensively, the team cuts off driving lanes and keeps bigs away from the hoop. This often leads to long possessions and potential shot-clock violations. Thompson will be tasked with defending DePaul’s Charlie Moore at the point guard spot. Thompson will have his hands full trying to slow him down. It will be vital that AT not only defends at a high level but avoids fouling, especially early. Butler needs him on the court.

DePaul’s offensive possessions average 15.5 seconds in length (18th-fastest nationally) while Butler is forcing its opponents to hold the ball for an average of 17.6 seconds. Tempo will play a vital role in deciding the winner of this game and that is especially true with regard to the Dawgs’ ability to take care of the ball and defend.