The first look at the possession and offensive efficiency numbers from this meeting at Harbor Yards on Monday, tells you that this was a grinder. Not the type referred to in Northern Connecticut, as ham, salami and provolone foot long special (oil and vinegar please). Rather it was a grind-it-out affair with points difficult to come by.
In a 70-possession contest Quinnipiac showed a 90-85 advantage in offensive efficiency. Both teams were under the 20 percent turnover rate, Quinnipiac at 19.6 percent and Fairfield 15.9 percent. Those numbers could lead to a better efficiency and the difference was the shooting. The teams didn’t throw away the ball too much and they didn’t put it in the basket too frequently either.
eFG percentage: Quinnipiac 42 percent, Fairfield 41.8 percent.
The slight difference in shooting plus a +4.9 percent advantage in offensive rebounding percentage was just enough to see the visiting Bobcats to their fourth MAAC victory. Quinnipiac is 4-7 in conference while Fairfield is now 6-6.
Leading scorers and EF:
Quinnipiac: Giovanni McLean 25 points, EF 24
Fairfield: Tyler Nelson 13 points, EF 18.