Butler Basketball: Keys to success at Seton Hall in 2019-20

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 15: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs handles the ball during a game against the Seton Hall Pirates at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 15, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seton Hall defeated Butler 78-70. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 15: Nze of the Bulldogs looks on. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

3. Win the rebounding battle.

Despite boasting plenty of size across most positions, Seton Hall is not one of the nation’s best rebounding teams. In fact, the Pirates rank in the middle-of-the-road on the offensive glass (29.1%, 134th) and can greatly struggle with regard to surrendering second-chance opportunities. They allow their opponents to secure offensive boards on 30.7% of possessions (288th) and this is one of the few weaknesses of the team.

Butler’s rebounding rates are not the best in the country but they do showcase a potential advantage against Seton Hall. The Dawgs rank 44th nationally in defensive rebounding rate as it is unlikely that they will surrender many second-chance buckets to the Pirates. Additionally, with Bryce Nze and Bryce Golden manning the frontcourt, the team secures offensive rebounds at a relatively mediocre clip.

In order to come away with a road victory in this contest, Butler will need to find a way to build up a possession advantage. Seton Hall is one of the best defensive teams in the nation but making them force two or three stops on some possessions would go a long way. The turnover rates of these two teams are relatively similar and therefore Butler putting together a strong performance on the glass will be crucial.

Seton Hall has surrendered an offensive rebounding rate of >30% in seven of its last eight games.