Wild One in the Tar Heel State

 That was crazy.  Still a loss, but crazy.

With 9 minutes left, it certainly appeared that BG was on the receiving end of a butt-kicking. DC was up 21, their biggest lead of the game.  The next 7 minutes didn't change much.  With 2:14 left, BG was still down 19.  Play it out....on to William & Mary.  Right?

Uhhh.  No.  In one of the greatest almost-comebacks I can remember us pulling, BG put full-court pressure on and absolutely flipped the Wildcats.  I noted in the preview they were susceptible to the turnover.  From 2:14 to :31, BG outscored Davidson 19-1 to make it a 1-point game.

Unfortunately, on the next possession, DC broke the press for an easy basket.  Up 3, DC left the door open at the line, but never let BG get a 3FG off and won the game 91-87.  BG has a team that doesn't quit, which should be noted.

During the run, DC made 5 turnovers and missed 3 FTs.  BG made the run without making a 3FG.  Which is pretty remarkable.

I think it's worth noting that BG has shown itself to be a special team when they are pressuring on defense.  Small sample size, but the second half of the Texas State game featured not a press but strong half-court pressure as well. 

The lineup was Shakleford, Campbell, Wol, Ruffin, and Thomas.

One of the things I like about Simon is that he seems relatively system-agnostic. We can switch to what we need.  We dragged the team over the line last year in a zone.  Sometimes doesn't work, as when DC hit 4 straight 3s to end the first half.

A couple of things you can see below.  

DC shot the ball really well.  They split their shots almost evenly, but they made 62% from 2FG and 48% from 3FG...winning numbers on most days and this one.

BG made it close with a huge turnover differential and better rebounding. BG made 51% on 2FG, which is a little above average, but was only 3-14 from 3FG (Also a key statistic).

The other thing you can surely see is FTs.  The game featured 73 FTs. The chart is a little misleading...DC was 28-38 at the line and BG was 24-35.  (Free throw rate is FTA/FGA attempts.  Because of all the turnovers, BG tried 67 FGs and DC tried 48.)

Josiah Shackelford had a really nice night, scoring 23 in 25 minutes. He was 6 of 10 and 2 of 3, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Campbell scored 21 on 7 of 16 and 0 of 2 shooting, 7-10 at the line, and 2 turnovers over 2 steals.

Sam Towns had 15 on 5 of 10 and 1 of 4 shooting.  He added 6 rebounds and fouled out.

Mayar Wol scored 16 on 5 of 8 shooting....and 0-3.  Also 6 of 8 at the line.  This guy makes a difference.  Was on the court for the big run, too.

Justin Thomas had 6 assists, 4 steals, and 4 turnovers.

BG played a really tight seven-man rotation.

Next up is the Tribe of William & Mary.