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Butler Basketball: Keys to success vs. Georgetown in 2019-20

By Lukas Harkins

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles by Jagan Mosely #4 of the Georgetown Hoyas in the second half during a college basketball game at the Capital One Arena on January 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 28: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs dribbles by Jagan Mosely #4 of the Georgetown Hoyas in the second half during a college basketball game at the Capital One Arena on January 28, 2020 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 28: Nze of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 28: Nze of the Bulldogs drives. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

2. Win the battles inside.

Butler’s interior defense has been arguably one of the most important reasons for its successes this season. Instead of getting burned in the pick-and-roll like last year, the Dawgs are more versatile in the frontcourt and more physical underneath.

Bryce Nze has the ability to switch on the perimeter and nothing comes easily against Bryce Golden in the post. As a result, Butler’s opponents are shooting just 43.2% on 2-point attempts this season. That rank marks 17th-best of any defense in the country.

In addition to stopping teams inside the arc, Butler also ranks 46th nationally in defensive rebounding rate. The team does a nice job finish off defensive stops by securing boards and dictating the pace with their methodical offense. With that said, though, statistics can only be used as predictors of the future.

Georgetown represents a difficult challenge with its ability to both score in the paint and consistently snag second-chance opportunities. The Dawgs did an excellent job defensively inside against the Hoyas a few weeks ago and that will need to be true again.

It is important to mention, though, that even though Georgetown shot 16-for-49 (32.7%) on 2PA in that contest, it was able to secure 15 offensive boards. Butler can do a better job on the glass than it did in the prior matchup between these two teams.

The injury status of Georgetown big man Omer Yurtseven is definitely something to monitor as tip-off approaches. He has averaged 16.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game so far this season but has not practiced all week. Listed as day-to-day.