Good News- Bad News re Lobo Stat

[Walkon]

The good news is that the Lobos won 9 of their last 10 games. The bad news is that they were out shot (FG%) in six of these games by their opponents. In 4 of the games the other team shot 50% or higher. A team does not go far in the NCAA by giving up so many baskets.
It sure seems the Lobos will need to amp up their defensive intensity without fouling.
UNM can and has played good defense, but they seem to play to the level of their opponent. There are no gimmme's in the NCAA tourney. So for every game, it hopefully is Survive and Advance.

[UWSLobo]

The good news is that the Lobos won 9 of their last 10 games. The bad news is that they were out shot (FG%) in six of these games by their opponents. In 4 of the games the other team shot 50% or higher. A team does not go far in the NCAA by giving up so many baskets.
It sure seems the Lobos will need to amp up their defensive intensity without fouling.
UNM can and has played good defense, but they seem to play to the level of their opponent. There are no gimmme's in the NCAA tourney. So for every game, it hopefully is Survive and Advance.

I agree. They need to amp up the defensive intensity. The main issue lately has been 3 pt shooting. Too many teams are outshooting us from 3 pt land. That's supposed to be out specialty!!! In the past 6 games, four of our opponents have a better 3 pt FG % than the Lobos. Then looking at our past ten games, the Lobos ave cooled off a bit (36.5% FG on 3s) from where they were in the previous ten games (around 40%). However, 36.5% is still ok. The issue is other teams are hitting their threes, especially late in games. This is an issue I have discussed before and have been groaned for it.

However, to the team's credit they have amped up their rebounding. That's why we are winning. More rebounding creates more opportunities to score, and a lot of the scoring has been coming from the foul line. Over the past 10 games, we have gone to the FT line more than our opponents in all but one game.

What's the bottom line? If we let our opponents hit threes, it will help them stay in the game despite our great rebounding.

Our game is to hit around 38% of our 3s, outrebound our opponent, and protect the ball. When a team outshoots us and outrebounds us (like SDSU has in all three games we have played with them), we are in trouble.

[wolf1960]

think positive we have great open looks shots will fall its NCAA time to shine...I will not be surprised if we have a different offense cuz it is season 4.. Alford and Neal have something up their sleeves, we have very versitle athletes..

[LoboLaw]

I'm praying that one of our guys gets that magical, NCAA "touch" from three. The most likely candidates would be Ro and PMac, of course. While I expect DH and DG to just keep on doing what they do (which is own the floor), there's nothing that can close out a tourney game (or win over the nation, for that matter) like a dagger-chucking three point specialist on a hot streak.

[txlobo95]

Actually, I'm hoping our guys drive to the bucket, especially Butta and Reese and get dunks, FT's and assists to AJ and Will for dunks. Although the 3 pointer will be key, especially from Philly and Ro, we will also need to do get inside shots as well. If we keep a well balanced attack, we can be very dangerous.

Our defense is key though, and keeping opponents to a low shooting % is very key and securing the rebounds off those misses.

[NMFANINOKC]

We need to come out of the gates like we are capable of.. If that happens, this game will get ugly.. I for one am just hoping we do not have that COLD start for the first 4-6 mintues like we do at times.

[LoboLaw]

Actually, I'm hoping our guys drive to the bucket, especially Butta and Reese and get dunks, FT's and assists to AJ and Will for dunks. Although the 3 pointer will be key, especially from Philly and Ro, we will also need to do get inside shots as well. If we keep a well balanced attack, we can be very dangerous.

Our defense is key though, and keeping opponents to a low shooting % is very key and securing the rebounds off those misses.

Oh yes, you and I agree! As I said, I want DH and DG and our big guys to just keep on doing what they do best. What I'm hoping for as the icing on top is for either Ro or PMac to go into one of those NCAA tournament inspired hot shooting streaks. There are always a few players who just go absolutely unconscious from behind the arc every year - it'd be sweet if one of our guys joined that club!