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

Pregame Hark’s Bark

1. I want to see more bench utilization.

Even though Aaron Thompson is likely to return for this contest, I still want to see Butler play with a deeper bench. Myles Powell is the clear superstar for Seton Hall but he is not the only dynamic guard on the roster. Quincy McKnight was excellent against Butler while picking apart the defense with sensational reads. He finished that contest with 11 points and 13 assists and the Dawgs will need to work on slowing him down in addition to Powell.

Henry Baddley did not play a single minute when Butler faced Seton Hall last month. I would expect that to change for this contest and I hope that to be the case. He is a dynamic defender that understands how to play on the road and can excel in his role. Additionally, Khalif Battle showed more of his talent in Butler’s loss to Georgetown during this past weekend.

John-Michael Mulloy will likely play some minutes if Derrik Smits is unable to play. Butler will likely go nine deep.

2. Baldwin needs to stay in front defensively.

Kamar Baldwin is Butler’s best scoring weapon and an All-Big East level performer. With that said, though, he has struggled defensively at times in conference play. He has beaten off the dribble a bit more than normal and that has hurt the Dawgs’ overall defensive output. Considering Thompson will likely be matched up with Powell defensively, Baldwin will be tasked with covering McKnight.

He needs to put together a strong two-way performance in order to help push Butler to a potential victory. Baldwin boasts an impressive wingspan and maybe he can use that length to disrupt Seton Hall’s lobs from McKnight-to-Gill. That pick-and-roll set really tore apart Butler’s defense earlier in the season.

3. Defend. Without. Fouling. 

Seton Hall is one of the best teams in the country with regard to drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line. Contrastly, Butler’s defense has been putrid in this facet of the game. The Dawgs will need to find a way to defend without fouling and Aaron Thompson is at the core of this. He missed a lot of time against Seton Hall a month ago due to foul trouble and that can’t happen again. Also, Butler’s lack of depth at the center spot means that Golden/Nze need to stay on the floor as well.

That concludes this preview of the upcoming matchup between ranked Big East opponents. Both teams are fresh off losses and will be looking to get back on the right track. The return of Aaron Thompson changes my opinion on this game a bit, but I still lean in favor of the home team.

Final Prediction: Seton Hall Pirates – 75, Butler Bulldogs – 69.