I think, given that we just lost a tough game to UNI, that this next game is CRUCIAL to any amount of success or momentum we can build this season. I'm not saying it's a must-win or the season's a total failure, but a win this Saturday could go a LONG way towards this season being a very nice building block for the future and possibly even landing us an NIT bid in the process (although it's probably a long shot).
With all of that said, I hope we come out ready to play because this is certainly a winnable game - especially at home - and I hope the fans are there to help make it happen. Go Cyclones, Beat Cal!
Cyclones will need to establish tempo in this game as well. This team is averaging 65 points per game. They like the slow half court sets, they are only 7 players deep as well. They shoot a low percentage from the floor. (40%)
It was a tough loss at UNI. Refs didn't help. Freddy will have us ready to go against Cal. Totally agree that we need to pack Hilton and give our guys some support. Go Clones!
The way I look at this season, every game is important, but none are crucial (until they get to the point where post season play may hinge on a win). Freddie will have them back up and ready to play.
The game is big because its a major conference team, outside of our conference. These games are used to rank conferences and used for post season comparisons.
Cyclones will need to establish tempo in this game as well. This team is averaging 65 points per game. They like the slow half court sets, they are only 7 players deep as well. They shoot a low percentage from the floor. (40%)
They don't score, but it's not because of tempo, it's because they haven't shot well all year. They play at (roughly) the same # of possessions per game that we do. UNI plays at the lowest number of possessions of any team in D1. I think we won't have any problem running on them - partly because they don't play the style UNI does and partly because we are at home.
They play good defense (or have so far) and don't give up any offensive boards. They are #2 in the country right now with only giving up Offensive Rebounds on 22% of their opponents shots. (UNI is #3 in that category after last night).
Interesting synapsis, Where can you find the # of possessions stat? I think being at home will be the difference maker, we seem to like the rims there. Rebounding concerns me, but if we make our shots and force turnovers it won't matter.
Interesting synapsis, Where can you find the # of possessions stat? I think being at home will be the difference maker, we seem to like the rims there. Rebounding concerns me, but if we make our shots and force turnovers it won't matter.
I use kenpom.com for most stats. He has an "Adjusted Tempo" stat with is # of possessions adjusted for opponents style of play
here's his description:
Tempo: We can estimate possessions very well from box score stats by using this formula: FGA-OR+TO+0.475xFTA.
For each team, possessions are counted for the team and their opponents, and then averaged. A team’s average tempo is total possessions divided by minutes. This value is then adjusted for schedule, considering the preferred pace of each opponent and when each game was played.
not exactly sure if any game is a type of 'must win' game this year. We have 1% chance of making post season.
I'm still excited because this team is a lot of fun to watch. They play really hard and a fun style to watch. Plus with ISU basketball being so inexpensive to watch, it makes for a cheap event.
I think we have a better chance than 1%. Remember there are multiple post season tourneys and getting into either of them will be good for everyone involved. If we finish above .500 we have a shot at them, and we should be around 13-14 wins after non-conference. To me that leaves us better than 1% chance.
Interesting synapsis, Where can you find the # of possessions stat? I think being at home will be the difference maker, we seem to like the rims there. Rebounding concerns me, but if we make our shots and force turnovers it won't matter.
"There are five real good recruits in the state. We got three of them. One couldn’t get into school, and the other went to (the University of) Iowa...which is about the same thing." - Coach Johnny Orr
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Originally Posted by cardinal&gold 
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