2/14/08: UCSB vs. Cal Poly

UCSB Gauchos (17-6, 6-4) vs. Cal Poly Mustangs (9-13, 4-6)
February 14, 2008, 7:00 p.m. (PST)

Note: This game was supposed to be on CSTV, but it doesn't appear to be on anymore.



After a disappointing loss to UCI on Saturday (and on TV, nonetheless), UCSB hopes to get back on track and beat the Mustangs for the second time this season.

As detailed yesterday (and in the link below), TGM looked over the Gauchos in conference games to test the theory that the Gauchos actually play to their opponents' pace. The results are below if you want to view them, but the simple answer is a resounding yes. Therefore, in tonight's match-up, look for the pace to be in the mid-60's, since Cal Poly is a middle-of-the-road pace team.

http://thegauchomanifesto.blogspot.com/2008/02/chameleons-or-gauchos.html

Shooting Percentage

UCSB: 45.6%
Cal Poly: 40.7%

Free Throws

UCSB: 317-406, 78.1%
Cal Poly: 275-419, 65.6%

Offensive Rebounding

UCSB: 9.2
Cal Poly: 9.7

Turnovers

UCSB: 15/game; opponents 18.1/game
Cal Poly: 13/game; opponents 15.7/game

If you recall the last game against Cal Poly, Bob Williams seemed to imply that his team was focused on not getting beat by the Mustangs' three point ability. The problem, the Mustangs were shooting a very poor percentage at that point in the season. Tonight, the Mustangs three point shooting ability is a measly 29.7%. They shoot the three more than UCSB and make it less than UCSB.

If I was Bob (which I'm not), I would encourage them to shoot the three tonight. They haven't proved that they can make the three point shot. Pack it in and let them shoot. If you don't believe me, look at the chart below. They're miserable at the three.

College Basketball Stats by StatSheet.com

As for the other aspects of the game, the Gauchos defense has been decent of late. As for offense, they need to improve their off-the-ball movement. If they stand around and let players take their defenders one-on-one, they're going to be in for another tough game.

One more thing. The Gauchos need to try and impose their tempo on the game. Push the ball up the court. Shoot the three. Drive to the basket. Get to the free throw line. A good example of team following this strategy to a tee last night was Memphis. They got to the free throw line some 25+ times, as compared to Houston's less than 10 attempts. Memphis won by 8, I believe, so those free throws really help out.

Go Gauchos.