123
Offensive efficiency usually isn't considered a base statistic, but considering its overall usefulness, maybe it should be. Albany's 80-69 defeat of Maine today at SEFCU Arena is notable not because of the result, but because of how the Great Danes obtained it. In 65 possessions, Albany managed 80 points; for efficiency purposes, that's a rate of 123 points per 100 possessions.
Normally highly efficient offense requires at least reasonably proficient shooting; the Great Danes' relatively poor performance from the field over the course suggests an offensive outburst would be unlikely. Indeed, today Albany's effective field goal percentage was below 50 percent -- the Danes managed a still-reasonable 49.1 percent. Where Albany made up for its low eFG% was, well, everywhere else.
Although the Great Danes missed 31 of their 57 shots, the Danes grabbed 13 of those misses. Albany's aggressive play on offense also yielded dividends in the free throw department, producing 31 attempts from the charity stripe. The Danes converted on 24 of those attempts. If the Danes' shot totals seem rather high for a 65-possession game, look at the rest of the box score: just six turnovers for the home team.
Albany's current roster isn't loaded with shot-makers, but today provided a blueprint for the Danes come tournament time -- if Will Brown can get his team to repeat this performance a couple of weeks from now, Albany will be a tough out.
Showing posts with label Stat of the Week. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Stat of the Week. Show all posts
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Stat of the Week (2.08.09)
105
The number of combined wins for the nine members of the America East Conference this season. While it's not overly impressive, it does signify the improvement of the conference since last season and the future does look bright. It'll be interesting to see how many wins the conference ends up with by seasons' end.
The number of combined wins for the nine members of the America East Conference this season. While it's not overly impressive, it does signify the improvement of the conference since last season and the future does look bright. It'll be interesting to see how many wins the conference ends up with by seasons' end.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Stat of the Week
23 and 20
As January came to a close, Marqus Blakely decided to remind the rest of the conference why he is the reigning America East Player of the Year. Maine was the unfortunate team stuck in his way. Blakely went over, around, and through the Black Bears en route to collecting 23 points and 20 rebounds in a 75-65 Catamount victory. Only six other players have managed to grab 20 of each in a game this season; the list reads like a who's who of dominant post players. Hey, Blake Griffin, DeJuan Blair, could you move over and make some room? Mr. Blakely's looking for a seat.
As for Maine's rebounding efforts, well, we've seen this before. About a month earlier, in fact. In the Black Bears' 56-43 loss to Canisius, the Golden Griffins' Chris Gadley pulled down 25 rebounds. No other player has managed to collect 25 rebounds in a game this year; in fact, the feat hadn't been accomplished since February of 2007.
As January came to a close, Marqus Blakely decided to remind the rest of the conference why he is the reigning America East Player of the Year. Maine was the unfortunate team stuck in his way. Blakely went over, around, and through the Black Bears en route to collecting 23 points and 20 rebounds in a 75-65 Catamount victory. Only six other players have managed to grab 20 of each in a game this season; the list reads like a who's who of dominant post players. Hey, Blake Griffin, DeJuan Blair, could you move over and make some room? Mr. Blakely's looking for a seat.
As for Maine's rebounding efforts, well, we've seen this before. About a month earlier, in fact. In the Black Bears' 56-43 loss to Canisius, the Golden Griffins' Chris Gadley pulled down 25 rebounds. No other player has managed to collect 25 rebounds in a game this year; in fact, the feat hadn't been accomplished since February of 2007.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Stat of the Week
5.2
Assists per game, that is. Since being benched by BU coach Dennis Wolff in the conference opener against the University at Albany, Lowe has started every America East contest at the point -- a place he's familiar with and has played before at BU, but that's certainly not his natural position. That said, Lowe is playing what is arguable the best basketball of his career (and has been awarded the America East Player of the Week award because of it), with a 33-point performance against Stony Brook, 26 points two days later against UMBC and 15 against Maine.
More impressive than the point totals, however, has been his ability to control the game. It's no mistake that BU has won four-straight games and six of seven since he's returned to the point. He's making the right reads on most offensive sets and notched a season-high (for any BU player) nine assists in Sunday's win against Maine. During the same time, he's committed just 3.8 turnovers per game, and that number is skewed thanks to seven turnovers in the quadruple overtime marathon. Lowe's current play is reminicent of the facilitator role he took on toward the end of last season when the Terriers went on their five-game winning streak.
Assists per game, that is. Since being benched by BU coach Dennis Wolff in the conference opener against the University at Albany, Lowe has started every America East contest at the point -- a place he's familiar with and has played before at BU, but that's certainly not his natural position. That said, Lowe is playing what is arguable the best basketball of his career (and has been awarded the America East Player of the Week award because of it), with a 33-point performance against Stony Brook, 26 points two days later against UMBC and 15 against Maine.
More impressive than the point totals, however, has been his ability to control the game. It's no mistake that BU has won four-straight games and six of seven since he's returned to the point. He's making the right reads on most offensive sets and notched a season-high (for any BU player) nine assists in Sunday's win against Maine. During the same time, he's committed just 3.8 turnovers per game, and that number is skewed thanks to seven turnovers in the quadruple overtime marathon. Lowe's current play is reminicent of the facilitator role he took on toward the end of last season when the Terriers went on their five-game winning streak.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Stat of the Week
97
The number of points sophomore guard John Holland has scored in four games against America East opponents. Holland has only scored under 20 points in one game (19 against Vermont) and logged a season-high 28 against Binghamton on Saturday. Holland's recent streak has been the best of his career as he's playing with more confidence than he ever has. BU coach Dennis Wolff is pleased with how controlled Holland looks off the dribble, the decisions he's making with the basketball and his defense. The switch from a man-to-man scheme to a zone defense has helped Holland tremendously and perhaps aided him on the offensive end as well. He's been the best player in the conference over the last four games and the Terriers will need him to continue his accelerated play if they hope to continue winning.
The number of points sophomore guard John Holland has scored in four games against America East opponents. Holland has only scored under 20 points in one game (19 against Vermont) and logged a season-high 28 against Binghamton on Saturday. Holland's recent streak has been the best of his career as he's playing with more confidence than he ever has. BU coach Dennis Wolff is pleased with how controlled Holland looks off the dribble, the decisions he's making with the basketball and his defense. The switch from a man-to-man scheme to a zone defense has helped Holland tremendously and perhaps aided him on the offensive end as well. He's been the best player in the conference over the last four games and the Terriers will need him to continue his accelerated play if they hope to continue winning.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Stat of the Week
73 percent
Albany made 8-of-11 3-point attempts in its 82-77 victory at Patrick Gym yesterday. While 8-of-11 is impressive regardless of the team responsible, consider that Albany entered the game dead last in perimeter shooting among America East teams. Even after last night's game, the Great Danes are making less than 29 percent of their threes -- no other team in the conference is below 30 percent. Every player on the Albany roster misses at least 65 percent of his attempts.
This information can indicate any of a number of things related to last night's game, not all of which can be true. If Albany has better shooters than its previous form indicates, then the Great Danes are even more dangerous than generally believed. Perhaps that isn't the right answer either. Maybe Vermont has poor perimeter defense, which is something Catamount head coach Mike Lonergan mentioned yesterday after the game, or perhaps this was an outlier performance and Albany merely got lucky. Not many teams can expect to turn the ball over 21 times and win a game.
In any case, the result adds importance to Wednesday's game between Binghamton and Albany, two teams that take a lot of two-point shots and allow opponents to get to the line. Don't expect to see eight made threes by either team. For that matter, it wouldn't be a surprise if neither team has double-digit attempts from beyond the arc. Fifty free throws, on the other hand, is a distinct possibility.
Albany made 8-of-11 3-point attempts in its 82-77 victory at Patrick Gym yesterday. While 8-of-11 is impressive regardless of the team responsible, consider that Albany entered the game dead last in perimeter shooting among America East teams. Even after last night's game, the Great Danes are making less than 29 percent of their threes -- no other team in the conference is below 30 percent. Every player on the Albany roster misses at least 65 percent of his attempts.
This information can indicate any of a number of things related to last night's game, not all of which can be true. If Albany has better shooters than its previous form indicates, then the Great Danes are even more dangerous than generally believed. Perhaps that isn't the right answer either. Maybe Vermont has poor perimeter defense, which is something Catamount head coach Mike Lonergan mentioned yesterday after the game, or perhaps this was an outlier performance and Albany merely got lucky. Not many teams can expect to turn the ball over 21 times and win a game.
In any case, the result adds importance to Wednesday's game between Binghamton and Albany, two teams that take a lot of two-point shots and allow opponents to get to the line. Don't expect to see eight made threes by either team. For that matter, it wouldn't be a surprise if neither team has double-digit attempts from beyond the arc. Fifty free throws, on the other hand, is a distinct possibility.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Stat of the Week
16/15
It's not your ordinary double-double. Reggie Fuller wasn't satisfied with the minimum requirements of 10 and 10 against Marist last Tuesday -- he wanted more. Fuller's 16 points and 15 rebounds (plus three blocks) is the conference's first 15-15 performance of the year. It was efficient as well: Fuller missed just four shots from the field. The result? A two-point victory for the Bearcats
The Binghamton big man is overshadowed by fellow conference bigs Marqus Blakely and Darryl Proctor. Even Binghamton's prolific scorer D.J. Rivera gets more attention than Fuller. But make no mistake, Fuller is a key ingredient. On a team lacking perimeter shooting, Fuller is the Bearcats' only proven option in the post. He is efficient, takes care of the ball, rebounds well, and blocks more shots than most players his size (Fuller stands 6-foot-6). Last offseason's influx of talent has given Binghamton the chance to take the next step, but without Fuller Binghamton wouldn't be nearly as competitive in this conference.
It's not your ordinary double-double. Reggie Fuller wasn't satisfied with the minimum requirements of 10 and 10 against Marist last Tuesday -- he wanted more. Fuller's 16 points and 15 rebounds (plus three blocks) is the conference's first 15-15 performance of the year. It was efficient as well: Fuller missed just four shots from the field. The result? A two-point victory for the Bearcats
The Binghamton big man is overshadowed by fellow conference bigs Marqus Blakely and Darryl Proctor. Even Binghamton's prolific scorer D.J. Rivera gets more attention than Fuller. But make no mistake, Fuller is a key ingredient. On a team lacking perimeter shooting, Fuller is the Bearcats' only proven option in the post. He is efficient, takes care of the ball, rebounds well, and blocks more shots than most players his size (Fuller stands 6-foot-6). Last offseason's influx of talent has given Binghamton the chance to take the next step, but without Fuller Binghamton wouldn't be nearly as competitive in this conference.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Stat of the Week
10/12
The number of points/rebounds Matt Wolff had in BU's most recent loss to the University of Delaware (70-68) for his first career double-double. Wolff was 3-of-5 from the field (including his third 3-pointer of the season and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, none bigger than the two he knocked down with 12.3 seconds left to (temporarily) give BU the lead. In addition to Wolff's scoring effort, he added 12 rebounds -- one short of his season high -- as he consistently brings a toughness to the court BU coach Dennis Wolff is searching for.
There's a reason Wolff is one of the co-captains on the team and it's because of the way he leads on the court. The loss to Delaware provided a particularly good example of the ways Wolff -- who takes a lot of flack from fans for a variety of reasons -- commands the respect of his teammates. When BU's 3-point shots weren't falling (the Terriers were just 7-of-30 in the game) Wolff cleaned up down low, getting timely put-back layups and hauling in important rebounds. While his game may not be flashy, Wolff's effort is a large part of the reason the Terriers have stayed in every game they've played as he brings a constant presence of intensity for a team that's been searching for it for a large majority of the season. It's a given BU will have a few more off-shooting nights and Wolff will no doubt be a key player in those contests.
The number of points/rebounds Matt Wolff had in BU's most recent loss to the University of Delaware (70-68) for his first career double-double. Wolff was 3-of-5 from the field (including his third 3-pointer of the season and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line, none bigger than the two he knocked down with 12.3 seconds left to (temporarily) give BU the lead. In addition to Wolff's scoring effort, he added 12 rebounds -- one short of his season high -- as he consistently brings a toughness to the court BU coach Dennis Wolff is searching for.
There's a reason Wolff is one of the co-captains on the team and it's because of the way he leads on the court. The loss to Delaware provided a particularly good example of the ways Wolff -- who takes a lot of flack from fans for a variety of reasons -- commands the respect of his teammates. When BU's 3-point shots weren't falling (the Terriers were just 7-of-30 in the game) Wolff cleaned up down low, getting timely put-back layups and hauling in important rebounds. While his game may not be flashy, Wolff's effort is a large part of the reason the Terriers have stayed in every game they've played as he brings a constant presence of intensity for a team that's been searching for it for a large majority of the season. It's a given BU will have a few more off-shooting nights and Wolff will no doubt be a key player in those contests.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Stat of the Week
0
Theo Davis put up a nice round goose egg in his debut performance for the Bearcats on Saturday. The Gonzaga transfer was ineligible last semester per NCAA regulations, but many expect him to provide Binghamton with a major upgrade for the second half of the season.
Early returns on Davis have not been particularly auspicious. In his first game of the season, the Bearcats' 86-80 loss to Manhattan, Davis shot 0-of-5 from the field and turned the ball over four times in just 14 minutes. While it's inadvisable to read into one game's worth of play from an athlete who has been hampered by injuries, suspensions, and ineligibility restrictions, repeat performances are not going to cut it. Jaan Montgomery is not a scoring threat, leaving Reggie Fuller as the only interior offensive presence for the Bearcats. Binghamton needs Davis to give the frontcourt depth and balance.
Theo Davis put up a nice round goose egg in his debut performance for the Bearcats on Saturday. The Gonzaga transfer was ineligible last semester per NCAA regulations, but many expect him to provide Binghamton with a major upgrade for the second half of the season.
Early returns on Davis have not been particularly auspicious. In his first game of the season, the Bearcats' 86-80 loss to Manhattan, Davis shot 0-of-5 from the field and turned the ball over four times in just 14 minutes. While it's inadvisable to read into one game's worth of play from an athlete who has been hampered by injuries, suspensions, and ineligibility restrictions, repeat performances are not going to cut it. Jaan Montgomery is not a scoring threat, leaving Reggie Fuller as the only interior offensive presence for the Bearcats. Binghamton needs Davis to give the frontcourt depth and balance.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Stat of the Week
plus-7
Last night's Terrier loss in South Bend featured arguably the best all-around performance from the Terriers so far this season. BU was reasonably effective shooting the ball in a hostile environment, kept the turnover count under control, and did all the little things well. It takes that type of performance to stay in the game against a ranked team with more than two seasons' worth of consecutive home victories.
All of those achievements are things the average fan could reasonably expect the Terriers to do against their Big East opponent. However, Dennis Wolff's team did something else as well, something nobody could expect: they outrebounded the Fighting Irish.
Luke Harangody is a force of nature, and nobody on the Terriers' roster was going to prevent him from grabbing double-digit rebounds last night. In order to contend on the boards, BU had to grab everything Harangody couldn't get to -- which is exactly what BU did. Everyone chipped in to corral loose balls and prevent Notre Dame from getting second-chance opportunities. Although no Terrier approached Harangody's 15-rebound total, five players gathered five or more boards.
BU's interior was labeled an Achilles heel at season's open. While BU has the talent to contend with many other teams down low, results from the post have been frustratingly inconsistent. If Saturday night's performance in South Bend represents a sustainable level of effort from the Terriers instead of a temporary improvement, the rest of America East -- Vermont included -- is in for a dogfight.
Last night's Terrier loss in South Bend featured arguably the best all-around performance from the Terriers so far this season. BU was reasonably effective shooting the ball in a hostile environment, kept the turnover count under control, and did all the little things well. It takes that type of performance to stay in the game against a ranked team with more than two seasons' worth of consecutive home victories.
All of those achievements are things the average fan could reasonably expect the Terriers to do against their Big East opponent. However, Dennis Wolff's team did something else as well, something nobody could expect: they outrebounded the Fighting Irish.
Luke Harangody is a force of nature, and nobody on the Terriers' roster was going to prevent him from grabbing double-digit rebounds last night. In order to contend on the boards, BU had to grab everything Harangody couldn't get to -- which is exactly what BU did. Everyone chipped in to corral loose balls and prevent Notre Dame from getting second-chance opportunities. Although no Terrier approached Harangody's 15-rebound total, five players gathered five or more boards.
BU's interior was labeled an Achilles heel at season's open. While BU has the talent to contend with many other teams down low, results from the post have been frustratingly inconsistent. If Saturday night's performance in South Bend represents a sustainable level of effort from the Terriers instead of a temporary improvement, the rest of America East -- Vermont included -- is in for a dogfight.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Stat of the Week
36
Points, that is. The Terriers fell just short in yesterday's tightly contested game versus Marshall, but Corey Lowe's 36-point performance was significant nonetheless. Lowe shattered the previous record for most points scored by a BU player in Agganis -- 29, by Rashad Bell in the first men's game played at Agganis, an epic 61-55 win over Taylor Coppenrath and the Catamounts -- and nearly eclipsed the 37-point performance of Coppenrath in that same Terriers-Catamounts clash. The 36 points were also a personal best.
More important than the total, though, was how Lowe accumulated those points. Although Lowe did hit seven of ten threes, he also used his athleticism to get to the rim and the free throw line. In addition, Lowe stayed hot at the end of the game even as his supporting cast faltered. All eight of BU's points in the final two minutes of the game came courtesy of Lowe, including five of six free throws. In fact, after missing a jumper with 11:38 left to go in the second half, Lowe scored 21 of his 36 points in the remaining time without missing a single shot from the field. While the Thundering Herd's free throw shooting and second-chance buckets proved to be insurmountable obstacles for the Terriers, Lowe put the team on his back in the second half and nearly managed to pull out a win at The Greek. As disappointing as this loss must be for both Lowe and the team, Lowe should be applauded for turning in a superlative performance.
Points, that is. The Terriers fell just short in yesterday's tightly contested game versus Marshall, but Corey Lowe's 36-point performance was significant nonetheless. Lowe shattered the previous record for most points scored by a BU player in Agganis -- 29, by Rashad Bell in the first men's game played at Agganis, an epic 61-55 win over Taylor Coppenrath and the Catamounts -- and nearly eclipsed the 37-point performance of Coppenrath in that same Terriers-Catamounts clash. The 36 points were also a personal best.
More important than the total, though, was how Lowe accumulated those points. Although Lowe did hit seven of ten threes, he also used his athleticism to get to the rim and the free throw line. In addition, Lowe stayed hot at the end of the game even as his supporting cast faltered. All eight of BU's points in the final two minutes of the game came courtesy of Lowe, including five of six free throws. In fact, after missing a jumper with 11:38 left to go in the second half, Lowe scored 21 of his 36 points in the remaining time without missing a single shot from the field. While the Thundering Herd's free throw shooting and second-chance buckets proved to be insurmountable obstacles for the Terriers, Lowe put the team on his back in the second half and nearly managed to pull out a win at The Greek. As disappointing as this loss must be for both Lowe and the team, Lowe should be applauded for turning in a superlative performance.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Stat of the Week
0-of-19
That would be Binghamton’s performance from beyond the arc in the Bearcats’ 71-57 loss to Central Connecticut State. Kevin Broadus’ transfers have athleticism and raw skills the likes of which Binghamton has never seen, but the Bearcats are not a complete team. Even ignoring team chemistry and its importance to the offense, the Bearcats are arguably the worst three-point shooting team in America East. More generally, D.J. Rivera and Tiki Mayben have struggled to generate efficient offense, often trying to do all the work by themselves instead of distributing the load more evenly.
Wednesday’s 0-of-19 performance would have been bad enough by itself, but the Bearcats have played fast and loose with the basketball, wasting additional scoring chances. The Bearcats have enough talent to compete – and defeat – any opponent in America East, but if Binghamton eschews basketball fundamentals none of that talent will shine through. Saturday’s win against Utah Valley is a positive step; whether the Bearcats will improve further or revert to bad habits remains to be seen.
That would be Binghamton’s performance from beyond the arc in the Bearcats’ 71-57 loss to Central Connecticut State. Kevin Broadus’ transfers have athleticism and raw skills the likes of which Binghamton has never seen, but the Bearcats are not a complete team. Even ignoring team chemistry and its importance to the offense, the Bearcats are arguably the worst three-point shooting team in America East. More generally, D.J. Rivera and Tiki Mayben have struggled to generate efficient offense, often trying to do all the work by themselves instead of distributing the load more evenly.
Wednesday’s 0-of-19 performance would have been bad enough by itself, but the Bearcats have played fast and loose with the basketball, wasting additional scoring chances. The Bearcats have enough talent to compete – and defeat – any opponent in America East, but if Binghamton eschews basketball fundamentals none of that talent will shine through. Saturday’s win against Utah Valley is a positive step; whether the Bearcats will improve further or revert to bad habits remains to be seen.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Stat of the Week
24
The number of points scored by Albany sophomore guard Tim Ambrose in each of the Great Danes' consecutive wins against Bryant and Central Connecticut State. On Wednesday, Ambrose took just 28 minutes to accumulate his 24 points, eight rebounds and three steals in a nine-point victory for the Danes. Yesterday Ambrose repeated the scoring feat in even less time, pairing his points with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 25 minutes. His final shot went in off the backboard with less than four seconds left as Albany survived their home opener by the slimmest of margins.
The number of points scored by Albany sophomore guard Tim Ambrose in each of the Great Danes' consecutive wins against Bryant and Central Connecticut State. On Wednesday, Ambrose took just 28 minutes to accumulate his 24 points, eight rebounds and three steals in a nine-point victory for the Danes. Yesterday Ambrose repeated the scoring feat in even less time, pairing his points with five rebounds, four assists, and three steals in 25 minutes. His final shot went in off the backboard with less than four seconds left as Albany survived their home opener by the slimmest of margins.
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