College Basketball Defensive Dominators

Evaluating College Basketball Defensive Dominators – Conference Stats

With conference play in full swing it’s time to evaluate some statistical profiles that can help you in your handicapping and pursuit of profit over the final 5-6 weeks of conference play and into post season tournament play.  This article and included stats below will assist you beyond what you could imagine and be well worth the $10/month membership.  Weather you bet big, small or study stats as part of your analysis of college basketball, this information along with my additional articles and insight will better assist you in understanding the dynamics and stats that impact college basketball results.

When determining a team’s success in college basketball there can be little dispute that the opponents field goal percentage is of key importance. Field goal percentage defense is more important than points allowed because an opponents points can be determined to a degree by the number of possessions they have which in turn can be influenced by an offensive pace that creates lower overall possessions in a game. Take a look at the recent results of teams like Northwester and Miami, FL with the changes in style of play ( slow ) and personnel, and you’ll start to understand these concepts as it relates to possessions and pace.

This seasons rules changes with hand checking and blocking has resulted in more scoring and fouls with an average score of nearly 146 points per game ( PPG – 73 team ave. ); up from 134 PPG last season ( 67 team ave ).  Possessions per game have increased to nearly 140/game; up nearly 7 possessions per game and the highest since the 2000-01 season.  We’ve seen more teams employ a zone defense into their game plans.and quality coaches will always demand defense and understand their personnel with strengths and weaknesses to defend and attack an opponent.

A team’s overall defensive field goal percentage and three-point field goal percentage defense remain key indicators when judging a teams defensive ability. These must work in tandem to be efficient since a team can pack the paint defensively to minimize higher percentage two-point shots while sacrificing defense outside the arc.  Conversely, too much attention to perimeter defense can sacrifice a team’s ability to defend the paint.  When a team combines solid defensive play with rebounding strength, the ability to block or alter shots along with quickness and steals, you have a team that is capable of competing most any night against any team. 

With these concepts in mind it’s up to the handicapper and sports bettor to determine a team’s motivation level, how they match-up with each opponent and how these statistics can be used and adjusted throughout the season based on quality of opponent faced.  Click here to read the rest of this article with detailed stats and chart, and become a member for as little as $9.99/month to receive FairwayJay’s articles, insight and selection services.

Sample

Team	Conference	FG% Defense	3-pt FG% Defense	PPG Defense	Rebound Margin	Adj Def Rank	Adj Pace	ATS
Cincinnati	AAC	38.8	28.9	55	-0.4	4	307	9–5