National Championship Game Recap (4/6/09)
kj on Apr 7th 2009
North Carolina obliterates Michigan State 89-72 in a 76-possession game. StatSheet box score.
This four-factor graph does not tell the story:
NCAA Basketball Stats
The turnover differential obviously shows up loud and clear, but the other bars understate the degree to which the Tar Heels outplayed us. Statistically speaking, this game was played in two distinct phases:
The first [...]
National Championship Game Open Thread
kj on Apr 6th 2009
(I must say, it’s really fun typing in blog post titles that include the words “National Championship Game.”) The time for analysis and prognostication is over, my friends. Now, it’s all about believing. And what better way to express a dose of irrational optimism than with the opening theme to our favorite late-80’s sitcom?
No [...]
National Championship Game Preview
kj on Apr 6th 2009
Monday night, 9:21. Ford Field, Detroit. CBS.
This has become a routine for me now: Overanalyzing the statistical profiles of #1 seeds we’re about to play and convincing myself we’re massive underdogs. I’m going to try to keep this preview short, to avoid that danger (and because I need to get some sleep tonight).
The numbers:
Category
MSU Off
Nat [...]
UConn Game Recap (4/4/09)
kj on Apr 5th 2009
The Spartans run, not walk, past the Huskies 82-73 in a 74-possession game. StatSheet box score.
At this point, it’s hard to find more words to describe how well this team is playing. This game was almost a carbon copy of the Louisville game in terms of scoring flow: It was back and forth in [...]
A dunk (and game) for the ages
kj on Apr 5th 2009
I guess we can run a little, eh, Digger?
Raymar Morgan: 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Who’s the bozo that called him a “role player”?
Game recap after I get some sleep.
For now, more of The Dunk:
MSU-UConn Open Thread
kj on Apr 4th 2009
It’s been a long and winding road, but we’ve arrived at our destination–at least geographically speaking. Two more enormous steps remain if we are to reach the ultimate basketball destination.
The Spartans Weblog clan will be hitting the road shortly to make the trek down I-96 to Ford Field. Here’s your open thread to converse before, [...]
Avoiding the swat
kj on Apr 3rd 2009
The scariest piece of UConn’s statistical profile is the number of shots they block. The Huskies swatted away roughly one out of every six (17.2%) shots their opponents attempted from two-point range this season.
MSU, meanwhile, improved somewhat this season in avoiding getting their shots blocked, reducing their offensive block% from 9.8% to 8.4%. But it’s [...]