Interesting Basketball Stats As We Head Down The Stretch

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As most of you are aware by now, I’m a pretty big stat geek.  So on occasion, I’ll check out a site like that of noted basketball numbers-cruncher Ken Pom for research (or kicks).

At his site, Mr. Pom ranks every school in America in such areas as Offensive Efficiency (points scored per 100 possessions) and Defensive Efficiency (points allowed per 100 possessions).

I use these stats each year heading into the NCAA Tournament and you’d be surprised how much they help in predicting games and filling out tourney brackets.

Here’s how the SEC’s teams rank in terms of Offensive Efficiency (through last night’s games):

And here is how the SEC’s team stack up in terms of Defensive Efficiency (through last night’s games):

Conclusions:

1.  If defense wins games at tournament time (and most of the times it does), Kentucky might be a stronger team in March than they appear to be right now.  Add a ticking timebomb like Jodie Meeks to the Cats’ solid defense and they could be quite formidable indeed.  Kentucky also relies less on three-point shooting than any other SEC team aside from Alabama.  That improves their odds of not getting bounced by having an icy cold shooting night.

2.  Tennessee’s offensive numbers are as high as Bruce Pearl’s system would usually dictate… even though he’s had to deviate from his pressing style this year.  Unfortunately, his team’s poor defense is dragging the team down and will probably prove to be their ultimate undoing.

3.  LSU is the most well-balanced team in the league, ranking 3rd in offensive efficiency and 3rd in defensive efficiency.  It should be no surprise then that they are playing head-and-shoulders better than every other team in the SEC right now.  Also, like Kentucky, most of LSU’s points come from inside the three-point arc.  And it’s a lot easier to stay hot close to the bucket than it is to stay hot from way downtown.

4.  Like Kentucky, South Carolina’s defense is a reason to take them seriously heading into tournament play.  Devan Downey is one of the league’s top guards, as well.  Good guard play and good defense can equal good tournament runs.

5.  Ole Miss plays pretty well on the offensive end, but their defense is the worst in the league.

6.  For Georgia, the story is completely the opposite.  They are actually decent on the defensive end, but atrocious when trying to score.