Army Defense is strong

[ponyscott]

From Army's site:
"The Army defense has held its last three Division I opponents to less than 50 points. The only team to score more than 50 against the Black Knights in the last four games was Division III Mount Saint Vincent (56). Army has held its opponent to less than 60 points in all nine victories this season and has won 12 straight games when limiting its foes to 59 or less. Army leads the Patriot League, and was ranked 11th in the nation in the last NCAA statistical release, in scoring defense at 56.5 points per game."

Since SMU averages 61.33 ppg in its losses (79.7 in its wins which includes a D-3 school) and add to the fact that SMU had a difficult time against a tough aggresive D from UNLV would lead us to believe that it will be difficult to see SMU outscore Army based upon their success as of late. Hopefully the home court will be favorable for the 3 point shots.

[Mestengo]

From Army's site:
"The Army defense has held its last three Division I opponents to less than 50 points. The only team to score more than 50 against the Black Knights in the last four games was Division III Mount Saint Vincent (56). Army has held its opponent to less than 60 points in all nine victories this season and has won 12 straight games when limiting its foes to 59 or less. Army leads the Patriot League, and was ranked 11th in the nation in the last NCAA statistical release, in scoring defense at 56.5 points per game."

Since SMU averages 61.33 ppg in its losses (79.7 in its wins which includes a D-3 school) and add to the fact that SMU had a difficult time against a tough aggresive D from UNLV would lead us to believe that it will be difficult to see SMU outscore Army based upon their success as of late. Hopefully the home court will be favorable for the 3 point shots.

Scott are you coming to the game? I have a great seat for you if you do.

[ponyscott]

You are so kind...can't tonight, have family issues....next game I'm in!

[Pony_Fan]

I see another "L" on the sheet.

[FriscoPMG]

I see another "L" on the sheet.

Both games this week are very loseable. They're also very winnable, but based on what we've seen so far the odds lean more on losing. You'd think this would be a great opportunity to end the non conference on a high note and a 2 game win streak, but I'll believe it when I see it.

[Balatro Diabolus Ex]

I see another "L" on the sheet.

Both games this week are very loseable. They're also very winnable, but based on what we've seen so far the odds lean more on losing. You'd think this would be a great opportunity to end the non conference on a high note and a 2 game win streak, but I'll believe it when I see it.

There are actually 4 non-conference games left, you must have forgotten about the big showdowns with Houston Baptist and NC Central coming up next month.

Army is a very small team. They start a 6'9" player in the post, but he is their only real size, and he plays less than 20 minutes per game. The other 4 starters are 5'11", 5'11", 6'0", And 6'3". Their top 5 scorers are guards, and their leading rebounder is 5'11" Josh Miller. They compensate for their lack of size by playing tight pressure defense in the half court. Their defense holds most opponents below 60 (and several below 50), because they are forcing an average of 20 turnovers per game, and averaging 9 steals per game.

Army has alot of players from Texas, including their 2 leading scorers, Cleveland RIchards (13.8 ppg, from Spring Westfield) and Julian Simmons (12 ppg, from Katy). Senior Eric Zastoupil is their 6th man, seeing the most minutes off the bench, and also one of their tallest (6'6") players in the regular rotation. You may remember Zastoupil as the star of Plano's 2006 state championship team.

Army is small, but a very mature team, they start 4 seniors and 1 sophomore. On offense they rely on execution to compensate for their lack of size. As a team, Army will shoot about 12 3-pointers a game, but the long ball really isnt where they make their living. They execute good back door cuts for layups, and score in transition off of turnovers. Simmons is their best perimeter shooter, hitting about 45% outside the arc.

Army head coach Zach Spiker was an assistant at Purdue prior to becoming the Knights head man, and in his first year on the job he may lead Army to their first winning season in years. In a down year for the Patriot League, Army looks like they have a legitimate shot at winning their conference.

Army is short and not particularly athletic, but they compensate with execution and pressure defense. SMU can beat Army in the paint and in transition, but lazy passes will get you killed.

[papawasamustang]

Sounds like a well coached, fundamentally
sound basketball team with 3 of their top
players from Texas. Shouldn't that be us?