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

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 24: Head coach LaVall Jordan of the Butler Bulldogs celebrates in the second half of a game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 24, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Marquette 89-85 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 24: Butler Bulldogs celebrate. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Win the rebounding battle.

Butler is one of the best rebounding teams in the country. It might not feel that way all the time, but it is true. With incredible discipline on the glass, the Dawgs are able to consistently exhibit a rebounding edge against the majority of their opponents on both ends of the floor. Bryce Nze, most notably, is an elite offensive rebounder while the team defensively rebounds well as a unit. Sean McDermott and Jordan Tucker both rank among the best rebounding wings nationally.

The Dawgs rank in the upper half of the Big East in both offensive and defensive rebounding rates throughout the first 10 conference games of the year. The team displays physicality underneath and that has been arguably the most consistent part of the team over the past few weeks. Over the course of this entire season, Butler ranks 33rd nationally in defensive rebounding rate as it does an exceptional job limiting second-chance opportunities.

That will once again need to be the case during this matchup with Marquette. The Golden Eagles are a strong rebounding team themselves, but the Dawgs rank better statistically on the glass. That will hopefully hold true in this game as building a possession edge on the road by controlling the rebounding battle could be crucial.

Marquette ranks 34th in the country in 3-point attempt rate so it’s reasonable to think there will be many long rebounds in this game. Butler’s guards and wings will need to stay diligent in fighting for those 50/50 loose balls.