BG-CMU Redux

BG did something relatively interesting yesterday at the Guirk.  They demolished a team for the second time in a week.  You just figured on a quick turn-around after Tuesday's game and on their home floor, that CMU would rally and make it a close game.  Furthermore, BG has, from time to time, been somewhat allergic to success.  They often have often been unable to even hold second half leads.  So, I was kind of expecting a game where BG would win but it would be much closer.

It was not.  I mean, it wasn't wire to wire.  CMU led for 2;26....BG led for the last 37:18.  They were up 10  about 6 minutes in and for the last 27 minutes of the game.  The lead got as high as 30 and ended at 28.  BG won the first half by 15 and the second half by 13.  Like the game at the Stroh, it was a comprehensive win.

BG scored 1.22 points per possession.  In fact, they have been over 1.2 points per possession in every game since the Wright State except one (NIU).  For context, only four teams in the country are averaging 1.2 points per game or more--Gonzaga, Iowa, Baylor and Drake.  BG's average is 1.12 for all games, which is #22 in the country.  The average is 1.02.

FWIW, the MAC has the #2 best offensive efficiency in college ball, counting conference games only.

So, BG is scoring.  They are doing it with modestly above average shooting, offensive rebounds and free throw rate, and outstanding turnover control.  BG is 10th in the country in turnover rate.

In the CMU game, it was just a huge contrast.  BG shot fine--the D1 average is 49%.  They made 45% of 2FGs and 41% of 3FGS.  They took excellent care of the ball--even as CMU applied pressure.  BG was good on the offensive boards--best in a competitive game all year--and didn't get to the line very much.  BG remains #15 in the country in free throw%, though it wasn't great yesterday (65%).

Meanwhile, CMU had a terrible game shooting.  That's worse than NIU a week ago and the worst by a BG opponent since 2019 (WMU).  They made 34% of 2FGs and 17% of 3FGs.  They didn't have a terrible game with turnovers but still lost possessions overall to BG, they were good on the offensive boards...and in fact this game would have been even uglier if they hadn't gotten to the line for 38 FTs and making 26 (68%).

 

Individually, BG was led by Justin Turner with 24.  He is now 13 points behind Howard Komives.  It wasn't his most efficient game--he shot 8 of 20--but he added 6 of 7 at the line and 8 assists with no turnovers, if that works for you.  

Kaden Metheny had 14 points.  Young man has stones.  He splashed some shots to start the game and showed no fear moving forward.  Missed a few but they were good shots, by and large.  He ended up 4 of 7 from 3FG and 1 of 5 from 2FG.  Two assists, no turnovers and 3 steals.

Caleb Fields is shooting really well.  If that continues, we are just very hard to beat.  He scored 13 on 5 of 7 overall shooting and 4 of 6 from 3FG.  Also 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 turnover.  And +23.

Finally, Trey Diggs had 13.  Only 1 of 7 from 3FG, but 5 of 6 on 2FGs.

Plowden struggled with his shot, but 14 rebounds in 21 minutes.

BG is now 5-0 in MAC play for the third time ever and two of them have been Huger teams.  The challenge the last two years has been the last few games.  For now, let's enjoy the ride.  BG sees Ball State on Tuesday and is #102 in kenpom, which loves blowouts.