TEANECK, N.J. – Andy Toole planned on Robert Morris playing their best ball beginning mid to late February and into March. The Colonials seemed to be on track as they handily defeated FDU 74-50 at The Rothman Center. The defending Northeast Conference champions were outstanding on defense, limiting FDU to 35 percent shooting from the floor and forcing 17 turnovers. On the other end sophomore center Lijah Thompson was too much for the Knights to handle. The 6-7 Thompson scored a game-high 16 points, adding seven rebounds as the Colonials enjoyed a 34-18 edge on points in the paint.
The efficiencies:
Possessions, Offensive Efficiency
Robert Morris 64, 116
FDU 64, 78
The entire concept of pace and number of possessions can deceive. A walk-it-up-the-floor team is easy to figure in the high-50 to mid-60 possession range. A relentless fast-breaking club will be over 70 possessions. Still, there are surprises, which is why tempo-free is so important. Watching Robert Morris on offense, it’s evident they get out and like to push the ball up the floor. A quick calculation of their NEC games showed they average 65 possessions which translates to a slow to moderate tempo. As noted above the pace of this contest was 64 possessions.
Colonial coach Andy Toole had the explanation. “We are always in an attack mode,” Toole said. “We want to push the ball up the floor, get in transition and attack the basket. If that opportunity is not there we will go into our half court sets and run the offense. We will not force things on offense.” So as their play starts with a fast-paced sprint up the floor, possessions can settle down and turn into a half court execution of the offense. Thus the 65 possession average. And another reason tempo-free is so useful in careful analysis.
Notes
- FDU is now 4-22 (2-13 in the NEC). Robert Morris is 13-13 overall and 9-6 in conference play. The play of Senior forward Kamil Svrdlik, with 12 points and eight boards, was the Knights’ bright spot.
- As noted, FDU had 17 turnovers, an extremely high 27 percent TO rate. On the other side, Robert Morris was outstanding in their care of the ball. The Colonials had 4 turnovers for a superlative 6 percent TO rate.
- Former FDU coach Tom Green and son Brad were both in attendance. Both are currently scouting for NBA teams. Noted prep evaluator Tom Konchalski was also on hand.
