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Indiana Basketball: 2020-21 keys to take down Butler in Crossroads Classic

By Drew Nixon

BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Trayce Jackson-Davis #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers takes a shot close to the basket in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Assembly Hall on March 04, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA - MARCH 04: Trayce Jackson-Davis #4 of the Indiana Hoosiers takes a shot close to the basket in the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the first half at Assembly Hall on March 04, 2020 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Rob Phinisee Indiana Basketball (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

3. Make Butler Earn Every Basket

Indiana is one of the top defensive teams in the country, ranking 30th in field-goal percentage allowed at about 36.9% clip. The Hoosiers also rank in the top 45 in points per game allowed. Butler averages 66 points per game, so that helps the Hoosiers.

Guard play on the defensive end will possibly be the most important aspect of making Butler earn every basket in the fact the Bulldogs’ leading scorers, Aaron Thompson and Jair Bolden, are both guards.

Players to watch for the Hoosiers in that regard will be the backcourt of Rob Phinisee, Al Durham, and Armaan Franklin.

The Hoosiers may not have to go against Thompson given his ability to play is unknown after the leading scorer suffered an injury in Butler’s loss to Villanova Wednesday night.

Getting some stops and limiting second-chance opportunities will only help the Hoosiers’ cause. Jair Bolden will let it fly from downtown, as he’s shot seven threes at a 42% clip in each of Butler’s two games.

Regarding the front-court, I will get into Trayce Jackson-Davis in another key to victory. But the battle down low will be important for not allowing those offensive rebounds and communicating on defense.

A notable player for Hoosiers fans to watch in the post for Butler is Bryce Nze. He’s only 6’7″, but Nze has a nice touch and works hard in the post for the Dawgs.

Communication and rebounding will be of the utmost importance for the Hoosiers to not only stay near that 30th ranking in defensive field-goal percentage but also to make Butler earn every basket.

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