BROOKLYN, N.Y. – Settling in for the Legends consolation and final rounds at the Barclays Center it was a opportune time to look at some numbers from the night before as the championship matchup was set between Stanford and Pittsburgh.
In the 76-53 Pitt rout of Texas Tech, the pace was 61 possessions. Reminiscent of the “bringing” Panthers. Pitt owned a 125-87 advantage in offensive efficiency. Credit the forcing of Texas Tech into a 28 percent turnover rate as the primary reason for the outstanding defense.
Following a half tied at 32, Stanford pulled away the final twenty minutes to defeat Houston 86-76. The game was fast paced, with Stanford at 74 possessions and and Houston 72. The final offensive efficiencies saw Stanford being better by a 116-106 margin.
Given the fast pace the TO rates were efficiently above average. Stanford was a 16 percent while Houston finished with a 15 percent TO rate.
The championship should down to a battle of pace. I believe Pitt can adjust to a fast tempo. Still, Stanford may not want to match the Panthers in a walk-it-up-the-floor affair.
