Defensive rebounding has been a problem for us all season. We play hard defense and force a bad shot only to allow 2nd and 3rd chances. Frustrating.
Our defense is excellent in so many categories but we have 4 areas of statistical weakness that have hurt us in key times. Most are a result of our defensive style. Always over-helping on penetration, playing aggressive and going for blocks and turnovers has a price.
1 -
Defensive Rebounding (267th)
We give up Offensive Rebounds at a 32.2% clip which leads to 10.1 2nd chance points per game which accounts for 15.6% (255th) of our points allowed.
Part of this is we don't really have any true Forwards and we are a very small team. We are 341st in Average height. But its also our style of play. We are very aggressive in help defense and in attempting to challenge/block shots that often leave us out of position for defensive rebounds. We make teams work using an average of 18.3 seconds per possession, I think some players let up when the shot goes up.
2 -
Free Throw Attempts per FG attempts (329th) 42.7%
We foul far too much. 291st in PFs per game and too many are shooting fouls, 22.3 FT attempts per game (274th). Fouls have cost us in several close games this year.
3 -
3 Point Attempts / FG Attempts (285th) 42.7% of FGs are 3pt Attempts
We allow too many quality looks from 3. We are good at harassing players inside the arc but often that comes at a cost of leaving someone open from 3. We were excellent vs UConn but we lost track of Karaban several times for back-breaking 3s.
4 -
Assists per FGs Made (299th) 57.0% of FGs are assisted
This is another end result of our over-aggressive help defense. It leaves someone open and solid offensive teams who pass the ball can take advantage and burn us.