Texas-2-Step for Grand Canyon:
GCU comes into their third and fourth Western Athletic Conference (WAC) games looking at the Texas-2-step. After dropping one of the first three WAC games, the room for error decreases dramatically if the Lopes want to claim another WAC title come March. The way that the table currently sits, GCU sits in third place behind Utah Valley, which they lost to, and Tarleton St, whom they play tomorrow. What is it going to take for Grand Canyon to come away with a victory in their Saturday tilt vs the Texans?
Grand Canyon Strengths:
Coming into this tilt with the Texans, the strengths certainly outweigh the weaknesses. Just because KenPom projects GCU to win this game by double digits certainly does not mean much for the Lopes. The Texans rank dead last in offensive rebounding margin this season. They allow an offensive rebound on 36% of possessions meaning that Duke Brennan, Lok Wur, and Tyon Grant Foster are going to have an absolute night on the glass.
Additionally, Tarleton ranks #229 on defense when it comes to sending teams to the free throw line. This is something that Grand Canyon excels at and actually prefers. I would expect to see A TON of foul shots tomorrow between the two teams. Bring your popcorn, cause its gonna be a long one.
Tarleton St Strengths:
The Texans are 2-1 headed into this game, and quite candidly, I am not sure how. They aren't great on the defensive side of the ball and they rank sub 200 on the offensive side of the ball. The team as a whole ranks #289 in offensive efficiency and #341 in adjusted efficiency per KenPom. There are 362 teams in the NCAA D1 ranks so that should show you how this team fairs from a metrics perspective. The one thing that the team does particularly well when they do have the ball is shooting from behind the arc. The Texans are #47 in the nation when it comes to shooting the three ball and are hitting at nearly a 40% efficiency.
Three Keys to the Game:
In order for Grand Canyon to come away with their third win in conference play, they are going to have to do these things and in this order.
Defend the Three-Point Arc:
- This is something that GCU has not done particularly well in the passed. As of recent they have improved dramatically, up to #103 in the nation, but at one point GCU was not playing good on-ball defense and were ranked sub-240 in this category. If GCU doesn't defend the three point shot, they will lose this game.
Play sound "error free" basketball
- GCU has gotten themselves into trouble the passed few games by giving teams unnecessary additional possessions. When you are playing a team that is trying to trade 3's for 2's, you cannot allow the team to have extra possessions.
Make your baskets
- Recently, GCU has done well in this category, but you cannot get behind a team like Tarleton. Force the agenda, and make the team beat you. Don't go on long scoreless stretches.
There are probably many more things that I can include on this list, but these are the things that in my opinion, are the key to success in tomorrow's tilt with the Tarleton St Texans. With a double digit spread and UVU already holding a game in hand, these are games that Grand Canyon has to win if they want to be able to secure another title.
Comentarios