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

By Lukas Harkins

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 12: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs handles the ball against Zach Freemantle #32 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 12: Kamar Baldwin #3 of the Butler Bulldogs handles the ball against Zach Freemantle #32 of the Xavier Musketeers in the first half of a game at Hinkle Fieldhouse on February 12, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Thompson of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 31: Thompson of the Bulldogs reacts. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

2. Butler’s backcourt needs to dictate the game.

Butler firmly controlled the first matchup between these two teams. While the final score only reads a five-point differential, the Dawgs minimum win probability in the second half was 88.3%. The most notable reason for that result a couple of weeks ago was the play of Butler point guard Aaron Thompson. He was injured in the second half of that contest when Butler was leading by 17 points and did not return.

Thompson will need to once again put forth a strong night in order to push Butler to victory. Xavier has been playing excellent basketball and they have a lot to play for with regard to their potential selection to the NCAA Tournament. The Musketeers are a very good team and are favored to take this victory. They also boast an engaged crowd at the Cintas Center that makes life quite difficult for opposing teams.

Thompson will be crucial in keeping the Dawgs composed as an on-the-court coach on both ends of the floor. He has been an exceptional leader all season and that will need to continue. Thompson has been forced by opposing defenses to score rather than pass recently and he has stepped up to do just that. If Xavier’s defense makes him become a scorer, he needs to be ready to finish at the rim.

Additionally, it’s important to take note of star player Kamar Baldwin’s home/away splits so far in conference play. Maybe he could put forth a big-time performance in his final road game against the rivals.

  • Baldwin at home: 14.2 points on .369/.233/.833 shooting
  • Baldwin on the road: 18.6 points on .486/.439/.867 shooting