Hampton Pirates
Tuesday, December 23 2008 by Tiki
Coming off one of the most boring basketball games I’ve ever witnessed, the Hoos get back to action tonight against the Pirates from Hampton College. Hampton comes into the game with a 5-4 record, including a 1-0 record in the MEAC. Their best win is over Jim Larranaga’s squad from George Mason. Their worst loss is probably Delaware at home.
Hampton plays one of the slowest offenses in the nation, averaging just 63 possessions per game, good for 308th place. Their offensive efficiency isn’t much better, as they average 91.1 points per 100 possessions, this good for 287th in the nation. The Hoos, for comparison purposes average 73.5 possesions per game, and 102.4 points per 100 possessions (28th and 137th in the nation respectively). (Data courtesy kenpom.com.)
A year ago, the Pirates’ offense was not this slow, although it was just as inefficient. Considering they lost their leading scorer (Rashad West) and leading rebounder (Adrian Woodard) to graduation, as well as their most hyped player (Matt Pilgrim, who transferred to Kentucky), it is no surprise that they have slowed things down.
While Hampton doesn’t shoot the ball well and doesn’t rebound the ball particularly well, they do play some defense. Obviously, their slow pace helps, but Hampton allows only 62 points per game. They rank 77th in the nation in opposition 2pt FG%, and 56th in 3pt FG%. They also force almost 22 TOs per game, including over 12 steals. Sammy will have to be careful about getting his pocket picked. In what will likely be a low scoring game, easy buckets in transition could be the difference.
This is another game where the Hoos have a big size advantage inside. Hampton has some height, with a frontcourt of 6’8” Michael Freeman and 6’7” Theo Smalling. However, both are on the smallish side, at just 220 pounds apiece. Freeman is their leading scorer, and is barely in double digits. Hampton also has 3 players listed at 6’10”, however none of the 3 have played yet this season.
Sene and Scott could have their way inside, especially on the glass. In order for them to be more productive offensively, we would have to actively try to get them the ball. I have not seen this very much from the Hoos this season, so I don’t expect it to start anytime soon.
The game will be low scoring, and therefore will be close. The Hoos need to dominate the glass, maintain possession of the ball, and convert opportunities at the line. If they do these 3 things, and play a little defense, they should come out with a victory.