FWIW, today was probably Baylor's second best offensive outing on the year, meanwhile Bart Torvik has it as our 3rd worst defensive performance.Some other thoughts on today's game after nerding out on some stats
Overall, the Cyclones' defense remains elite. The offensive identity and the consistent scoring punch is almost there to solidify a formula that can consistently succeed in the Big 12.
- Cyclones held Baylor below their season offensive efficiency number (1.16 vs 1.11 today) and forced them into 19 turnovers vs 11.8/game coming into today's contest. We all know the Cyclones play elite defense, but today's showing helps underscore the threat the Cyclones pose to even the best teams. And credit Baylor having dudes who can get buckets in key junctures of the game and help them win in spite of their sub par offensive performance today.
- Cyclones also drew 22 fouls, 7 more than Baylor commits on average, that led to a 27-14 edge in Free Throw attempts. While this might seem a mundane stat, I think this is an under appreciated aspect of the Cyclones' success this season. Getting opponents in foul trouble and extra bites at the apple on the free throw line, when combined with the elite defense described above, can be a formula for "winning ugly".
- Cyclones' Offensive Efficiency today (1.043) was actually better than their season average (1.026). This is largely due to Brockington and Enaruna having hugely efficient games today, while some other players struggled against Baylor's tough defense. Enaruna could be a game changer. If the light is really coming on for him, it could be a change this season's trajectory for the better.
- Unfortunately, Kalsheur has been trending down offensively. His offensive rating has gone from 175 vs Iowa to 6.2 today). Kunc, who has had a great offensive rating trend since Iowa (ave 146 from Iowa to Chi State), dipped to 52.6% today. In Jaz's case, I think today was a one-off because of the match up. If we can help Kalsheur get back to his early season form and get him, Hunter, Brockington, Enaruna, Kunc, Conditt and Jackson (Kalsheur plus our top 6 in terms of Offensive Rating the last 5 games) ample run together, that should help increase our odds of generating sufficient offense.
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