The old coaches axiom, ‘offense sells tickets, defense wins ballgames’. In this section we will look at the defensive efficiency (DE) of the Atlantic Ten teams. Conference games only are factored into the equation. Games include through January 21. Numbers courtesy of kenpom.com.
DE
VCU 88
Rhode Island 88
Dayton 89
Duquesne 89
St.Louis 93
St. Bona 95
Richmond 95
George Washington 96
Fordham 103
LaSalle 104
Davidson 105
George Mason 105
UMass 106
Saint Joseph’s 110
VCU is NOT the leader in defensive turnover percentage (22%). That distinction goes to Saint Louis as Travis Ford’s group checks in at 23% TO rate.
You want to keep opponents under 100 in defensive efficiency. With that in mind, George Washington is doing a respectable job on defense. Their offense, barely above average at 101, is a reason for a 2-3 start in league play.
VCU, at 100 offensive efficiency, is actually seventh in the conference in that category. What did we say about offense selling tickets and….
Richmond is best in defending beyond the arc. Opponents are hitting just 25% of their long distance attempts.
Duquesne at 42% just followed by VCU (43%) are the leaders in two point field goal percentage defense.
Two point field goals are basically inside the lane. Face it, the mid range field goal is basically extinct. Teams prefer to move out a few feet to attempt a three pointer. With that in mind, Duquesne is doing a great job in rim protection. Want more proof? Keith Dambrot’s Dukes are clearly ahead of the conference with a 21% block percentage.