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In just a few weeks, Butler University will host one of its hardest matchups the women’s basketball team has ever seen. With a record of 19-2, the UConn Huskies headlined by potential first overall pick in the WNBA draft Paige Bueckers hope to keep their dominant season on track with a win at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. This game, the second of a two game season series, has plenty to prove from both sides. Butler comes in with a record of 12-10, 8-5 at home while having a less than favorable 2-4 record on the road. Butler hopes to play spoiler to one of the best teams the nation has to offer and prove they are on the way up in a tough Big East conference. For each team however, there are keys that need to be met to walk away with a victory.

Keys to the Game:

For Uconn to walk away victorious the keys to the game are relatively simple: keep the game in front of you, don’t be scared to let your stars run the game and lastly, win the turnover battle. Firstly, UConn has to be dedicated to making Butler score from inside the arc not allowing them to dictate the game from the three-point line like Butler likes to do especially in home games. Butler is currently averaging 6.6 three-pointers per game compared to 5.2 opponent three-pointers per game. Make Butler come inside and play at the basket, a spot where they are only marginally better than their opponents at 22.9 Field Goals made compared to oppositions 22.6. Second key for Uconn, let Bueckers cook. There should be no fear from the coaching staff to allow Paige to play her average 29 minutes per game and work the game how she wants. Having a strong running mate in Sarah Strong will only help with this two headed scoring monster averaging 19.4 and 16.9 respectively. The final key to winning for the Huskies is to win the turnover battle. Butler this season has played a relatively equal game forcing turnovers and turning the ball over with only a -0.2 difference. With a team so strong shooting the three, UConn will not want to make the stupid mistakes that allow Butler more chances from beyond the arc. If UConn can keep these three keys in mind, they should be able to play their brand of basketball and handily win at a packed Hinkle Fieldhouse.

On the other hand, Butler’s keys to the game are a tad bit harder: feed Caroline Strande when possible, make free throws when at the line, and lastly do not be scared of big time names. The single biggest key for Butler to win this tough matchup is getting Caroline Strande going early and often. As Butler’s lead scorer at 13.4 points per night, she needs to step up to keep up with the high flying offense we see with the Huskies. While shooting 37% from three she will need to keep up that consistency to have any chance. Outside of the two stars on the UConn side, Strande should be the next most pivotal player in this game. Next, Butler needs to convert when they get to the line. While they average worse percentage at the line per game than their opponents (71% to 73%) they actually attempt more free throws per game (12.9 to 9.3). Being able to cash in on these chances are a key way Butler is going to be able to win this matchup. If they can get to the line at a consistent mark and make it count, they can be very tough for UConn. Lastly, Butler cannot let the powerhouse players on the UConn side get in their heads. Bueckers is great, but Butler needs to stay with their brand of basketball, not giving UConn any extra motivation. Letting the fans in the stands get loud will be a big help for Butler when it comes to shooting free throws and big play moments.

Final Score Prediction:

While I believe this game will be closer than most people think, I also believe the star power that UConn possesses will be just too much for Butler to overcome. In the end I believe UConn will come out with the win albeit Butler will give them some scares throughout in a matchup that is not great for either side.

69-62 UConn.