LYNDHURST, NJ – Richmond earned their first Atlantic Ten Tournament title with a 67-54 decision over Dayton. The final at Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall featured an outstanding defensive effort. The numbers:
Possessions: Dayton 61 Richmond 58
Offensive Efficiency: Dayton 89 Richmond 116
For the third time in three days Richmond gave a virtual defensive clinic. Dayton shot well the first three games in the tournament. Against the Spiders, Dayton managed a eFG mark of 41%.
In somewhat of a statistical oddity, Dayton had a 32-14 edge in points in the paint. The Flyers shot only 21% from beyond the arc and were only 18 of 41 (44%) from two point range.
Richmond actually shot better from downtown than inside. The Spiders were 10 of 21 for 48% from three. Inside, only 9 of 24 (38%). Kevin Anderson led all with 23 points. The outstanding Richmond senior guard shot 4 of 9 from three and 7 for 8 on the charity stripe.
Chris Mooney’s club also did a great job spreading the ball around and sharing it. The Spiders assisted on 11 of their 14 field goals.
Richmond defense was the solid half court type. They did not force many tutnovers as Dayton’s TO rate was 18%. The difference was the Flyer TOs turned into offense. Opportunistic Richmond enjoyed a a 20-9 margin in points off turnovers. Brian Gregory’s group did not lose the ball that much, but paid dearly when they did.
In the final analysis, the Spiders’ ’won’ weekend was predicated on defense. Especially today.
Evening Session:
The scores:
Notre Dame 89 Cincinnati 51
Louisville 81 Marquette 56
* If you enjoy close, nail biting contests, should have picked the afternoon session.
First, Notre Dame-Cincinnati:
Possessions: ND 61 Cin. 59
Offensive Efficiency: ND 146 Cin 86.
* Probably a record of some sort. Notre Dame’s efficiency would be superlative against a low major. Posting this number in the Big East Tournament versus a highly regarded Cincinnati team is mind boggling. Can you say number one seed for the Irish ? Mike Brey’s club only yielded 86 on the defensive end. Not bad at all.
The 8% turnover rate against a normally disruptive Bearcat defense was outstanding as well.
Louisville-Marquette:
Possessions: Louisville 68 Marquette 66
Offensive Efficiency: Louisville 119 Marquette 85
* Cards pushed he pace, getting Marquette out of a comfort zone and igniting their offense. They enjoyed a 57% eFG percentage. They shot 13 of 31 (42%) from three. Mike Marra, a 22 point scorer for Louisville in relief was a perfect 1 for 1 from two point range. The sophomore guard went a red hot 6 of 10 from three.
Marquette, once again cared for the ball with an 18% TO rate. But that was virtually the only positive coach Buzz Williams and company could take from this contest.
