Can we beat Butler?
Mar 4, 2007 21:55:12 GMT -5
Post by Raiderfan on Mar 4, 2007 21:55:12 GMT -5
The answer of course is YES we can beat Butler but it will take a great effort by our beloved Raiders. To me their are several things that concern me and I consider "keys" to the game.
1. Butler's offense is at it best when Green can penetrate into the paint then kick the ball out to "open" shooters on the perimeter. Both Graves & Campbell are excellent 3 pts shooters but they really need open looks and Green's penetration creates opportunities for them. I'm not convinced that Campbell or Graves can "consistently" create their own shots on the perimeter. The KEY to containing Butler's perimeter shooters is to stop Green's dribble penetration WITHOUT HELP DEFENSE. The last game against Butler Vaughn defended Green. If Vaughn can't stop his dribble penetration and other players have to rotate over to help VD then that will leave Butlers marksman on the perimeter for open looks. I really believe that Butlers offense is predicated on if Green can get into the lane. If we can keep Green on the perimeter it goes a long way to shutting down their outside game. Green is a strong player and it will be a difficult assignment.
2. Butler's defense is difficult to get open shots against. On offense we need to create movement with dribble penetration or feeding the ball into the post. We can't afford to stay on the perimeter and launch 3's all night long. I think we need to shot at a minimum of 14 foul shots in order to win. If we don't attack their defense it could be a long night. If we are able to be aggressive on offense and get into the lane and draw fouls we will be much more effective.
3. The "law of averages" scares me to death! The last time we played Butler they had made 20-34 3's against CSU the game before and I posted that the "law of averages" says they will have a horrible night from the perimeter against us because this late into the season everything evens out. What concerns me is that Graves has been absolutely terrible from the arc over his last several games and he is to good of a player not to break out of his slump. The "law of averages" says he is due for a monster game. Let's just hope he delays he monster game for the first round of the NCAA.
It should be a physical battle and I don't see anybody winning by more then 6 Pt's. This would be another huge step for our program if we can manage a win on Tuesday. You know both Butler and us will come out fired up and will leave everything on the line.
1. Butler's offense is at it best when Green can penetrate into the paint then kick the ball out to "open" shooters on the perimeter. Both Graves & Campbell are excellent 3 pts shooters but they really need open looks and Green's penetration creates opportunities for them. I'm not convinced that Campbell or Graves can "consistently" create their own shots on the perimeter. The KEY to containing Butler's perimeter shooters is to stop Green's dribble penetration WITHOUT HELP DEFENSE. The last game against Butler Vaughn defended Green. If Vaughn can't stop his dribble penetration and other players have to rotate over to help VD then that will leave Butlers marksman on the perimeter for open looks. I really believe that Butlers offense is predicated on if Green can get into the lane. If we can keep Green on the perimeter it goes a long way to shutting down their outside game. Green is a strong player and it will be a difficult assignment.
2. Butler's defense is difficult to get open shots against. On offense we need to create movement with dribble penetration or feeding the ball into the post. We can't afford to stay on the perimeter and launch 3's all night long. I think we need to shot at a minimum of 14 foul shots in order to win. If we don't attack their defense it could be a long night. If we are able to be aggressive on offense and get into the lane and draw fouls we will be much more effective.
3. The "law of averages" scares me to death! The last time we played Butler they had made 20-34 3's against CSU the game before and I posted that the "law of averages" says they will have a horrible night from the perimeter against us because this late into the season everything evens out. What concerns me is that Graves has been absolutely terrible from the arc over his last several games and he is to good of a player not to break out of his slump. The "law of averages" says he is due for a monster game. Let's just hope he delays he monster game for the first round of the NCAA.
It should be a physical battle and I don't see anybody winning by more then 6 Pt's. This would be another huge step for our program if we can manage a win on Tuesday. You know both Butler and us will come out fired up and will leave everything on the line.
