FDU 89, Princeton 85: Ray Floriani's Tempo-Free Analysis

Officials are not studying the hard-to-believe numbers, but rather, they are reviewing a late drive to the basket by Malachi Nix of FDU. (Photo courtesy of Ray Floriani)

TEANECK, NJ -­ The 89­-85 victory by FDU over Princeton on Wednesday proved to be quite an offensive display. With efficiencies at a staggering high, maybe it should be of little surprise that FDU overcame an eleven-point second half deficit. Princeton almost overcame one in the following four plus minutes. Now, the numbers:

                               Princeton     FDU

EFG                               65            61

FT Rate                         60            87

OREB PCT                      29            23


TO Rate                        16             13

The halftime numbers:
Princeton led 33­-25 at intermission. Little hint that this game would almost be a triple-digit scoring affair. Pace and efficiency:

                             Possessions          Offensive Eff.

Princeton                    28                         117

FDU                            29                           86

The second half saw FDU score 64 points, a number shocking coach Greg Herenda. Princeton managed 52, a full night’s work during some past Princetonian eras. An offensive display in points and efficiency for the visiting Tigers, but not enough. The second half efficiency:

                             Possessions           Offensive Eff.

Princeton                    38                          136

FDU                            40                          160

A 160 is usually good for the first four minutes. But the entire half? This just shows the magnitude of FDU’s offensive explosion.

The game totals:

                           Offensive Eff.             Possessions

Princeton                    128                            66

FDU                            128                             69

Both efficiencies normally would get you a ‘W.’ On the flip side, surrendering a 128 usually results in a quiet post game locker room.

The eFG marks were extremely high. Credit three-point shooting. Princeton was 13 of 28 for 46%. FDU checked in at 45.5% with a 10-of-22 performance from long range. In fact, 51% of all field goal attempts were dialed long distance.

Both had extremely high free throw rates. In the second half, FDU shot 30 of 37 for 81%. Part of that was Princeton trailing and being in a late-game fouling mode. Most of it (the high FT rate) was attributed to FDU’s attacking the basket the second half. “You go to the basket,” Herenda said, “and good things happen.”

Princeton enjoyed a slight rebounding edge. Turnover rates were both excellent. If your offense is efficient, you are turning it over less, simple. An added reason for the low TO rate was the defense. The efficiency and eFG marks tell you neither defense could be categorized as outstanding.

Individual efficiency:
Matt MacDonald, FDU: 32­ - MacDonald had the high efficiency. The sophomore guard scored a career-high 29 points, shooting an efficient 8-of-12 from the floor (3-of-6 from three) and 10-of-11 from the line.

Hans Brase, Princeton: 28 -­ Brase led the Tigers in efficiency. He scored 16 points with a game-high 13 boards.

Spencer Weisz, Princeton: 19 ­- The Tigers’ leading scorer with 18 points. Weisz added 5 rebounds and 5 assists, but saw the efficiency hampered by 5 turnovers.

A classic ending and contest, and a ‘classic’ from the numbers vantage point as well.