Busting Brackets
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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 15: McDermott fights. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 15: McDermott fights. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Win the possession battle.

This key goes hand-in-hand with the last one with regard to Butler needing to take care of the ball. While the Blue Demons are long and pesky with the ability to force a lot of mistakes, the Dawgs rank in the Top 100 nationally in offensive turnover rate. With Baldwin, Thompson, and McDermott in the starting lineup as seasoned veterans, Butler is usually quite solid in this facet of the game. The team has struggled against pressure on occasion but also attacks it for quality shots with some regularity as well.

Taking care of the ball, though, is just one part of winning the possession battle.

Butler has been excellent so far this season on both ends of the floor with regard to consistently attacking the glass. The Dawgs feature a couple of solid offensive rebounding threats while the entire team is comfortable blocking out and seeking defensive boards. On the other hand, though, DePaul features Paul Reed as one of the best rebounders in the country as it can control the glass in a lot of games as well.

Here is a quick overview of how these two teams match up underneath:

  • Butler’s rebounding rates: 28.3% offensive (164th) | 77.7% defensive (10th)
  • DePaul’s rebounding rates: 60.9% defensive (257th) | 32.4% offensive (57th)

Both teams have the ability to control the glass but Butler ranks better on both ends. That advantage will hopefully be evident when the two squads match up against each other.

While it is always good to attempt more shots than your opponent, this is especially true on the road. Given Butler’s ability to slow down the pace of games, commanding the lead in possessions and total time with the ball will take DePaul out of its rhythm. Turnovers and rebounding will be worth monitoring.