I keep searching for our breakout performance where we are clicking on all cylinders keeping our opponents 3 pt % below 35%
Only one team has shot over 35% from 3-point range against us.
Oh petty facts
While acknowledging the import of aggregate percentages, there is no getting around that the volume of unbelievably open threes allowed and made vs. Detroit, Murray St., and Baylor are a problem...whether they shot it at 30% or 40%. When you're giving up an average of double-digit 3s (as we did in those 3 games), the difference in the percentage clip made against us becomes negligible in comparison to the sheer volume made against us (within a reasonable percentage). Out of our zone, when assignments aren't tight and we are constantly scrambling to get to shooters that also contributes to our other big issue thus far, which is controlling the defensive backboard.
We were better in both areas against Holy Cross, and both will continue to get better. But there is little covering up - by way of percentage or otherwise - the way we defended the 3 and rebounded in Charleston.
BTW, MJ, realize you were simply responding to Joe3's post with facts based on the percentage he raised. Didn't mean to imply you were defending our 3 pt defense. Just used it as an opportunity to make a point I had been thinking about with respect to 3pt% in comparison to 3pters made against us this season. Seems like we've been holding teams to a good %, but the volume made has been a real issue.
No problem. It's cool!
When teams are launching 30 3's per contest, and have multiple guys who can hit 'em, then they are more than likely gonna hit their share.
Rebounding is my main focus. Extra possessions are a killer. That is when teams can burn you for treys, as everybody is scrambling around.
I remember feeling confident going into games knowing we would pound teams on the boards during the '97-'98 and '98-'99 seasons, respectively. Those extra possessions are a huge bonus. We have to do better on the glass (particularly, the defensive end).
I do think we need one of Gift or Sanchez to do what we want to this year, because of the defensive backboard issue. A lot of jumpers and competitors in Jakaar, Amir, Pointer, Jones, but only one true post in Obekpa. I know Sanchez isn't really that kind of player, but just adding another jumper/competitor will assist. Obviously Gift is that type of player, should we go that route. Obviously the other part of it ties back into the overall defense, picking up box out assignments out of the zone. This holds true whether we add Gift/Sanchez or not.
This is why I believe we have to play Gift, if Sanchez isn't eligible by mid-to-late December. I feel we're gonna need his beef and girth. This is story for another day.
I saw Gift being very involved by screaming out assignments (especially, to Obekpa) during our game versus Murray State (as, I was only sittng two rows behind the bench). I was impressed. Imagine that leadership on the floor.
Regardless, we're gonna need either him or Sanchez in another month or so, IMO. Let's put together a sound performance tonight, and get a resounding win.
