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

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs handles the ball against Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays during a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 4, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Creighton 71-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 04: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs handles the ball against Marcus Zegarowski #11 of the Creighton Bluejays during a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on January 4, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Butler defeated Creighton 71-57. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Nze of the Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – JANUARY 04: Nze of the Bulldogs passes. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

2. Play inside-out offense.

Creighton’s defense has definitely improved over the last few months but it is still far from a strength. This is especially true considering the Bluejays lack size in the frontcourt. Head coach Greg McDermott’s team has used “small-ball” lineups supremely well this season but opponents have been able to consistently attack the inside against smaller lineups.

Butler was able to excel in this facet of the game in early January when these teams met for the first time. The Dawgs shot 22-for-42 (52.4%) inside the arc as they looked to attack the basket or feed the post on just about every possession. Kamar Baldwin was particularly efficient in the second half of that contest while Sean McDermott was able to make timely cuts for finishes at the rim as well.

Considering the offensive improvements of Bryce Golden and Bryce Nze in Butler’s frontcourt as of late, those two could be focal points in this matchup. Both bring plenty of size and physicality to the court while being unafraid of stepping up for crucial buckets. Additionally, they are both reliable passers.

If the Dawgs feed the post and “Bryce Bros” are able to capitalize on a few early possessions, that could create open looks from beyond the arc. Aaron Thompson’s probing of the inside could also result in floaters at the rim of kick-out passes to the perimeter.

Butler has struggled shooting the ball in recent weeks and inside-out passes would really help McDermott and Tucker escape their respective slumps. Baldwin could also find his fair share of looks and he is definitely at his best in catch-and-shoot situations.