ChiefsPlanet - View Single Post - KU ***** Official 2018-2019 Kansas Basketball Repository Thread *****

KC_Connection · 03-22-2019, 01:44 AM

While we were fortunate to get Northeastern on their worst shooting game of the year (6/28 from three), that was a good win. Dedric and Dotson showed up in a big way and that proved to be more than enough.

Unfortunately for us, though, it doesn't get any easier with Auburn. In fact, we head into Saturday as a clear underdog. If you thought Northeastern created matchup issues for KU, Auburn poses all of the same shooting problems (only tenfold) to KU while also being far better defensively. Auburn takes an incredible 49.7% of shots behind the arc (good for 7th best in the NCAA and only behind their closest comparable Villanova among tournament teams). They also hit those shots at a high 38.1% clip (23rd in the nation). They run lineups out with four and occasionally five guys who can hit threes (including two of their four bigs), which we have seen wreak havoc on Self's defense many times in the past.

Even more notably, Auburn is 1st in the NCAA in both steals and turnovers forced on defense. As we know, KU's had season long issues with turnovers, often falling to pieces in that regard on the road. Perhaps even more of a concern is Auburn's propensity for blocked shots (5th in the nation). All four of their bigs are above average shot blockers including one (Wiley) who would rank in the top 5 in BLK% if he qualified. We will not be able to crash the rim with Dotson or throw the ball into Dedric like we did against Northeastern. Those two will have to look to pass in those spots if the offense is going to keep pace with Auburn's at all. In that way, Auburn's defense effectively forces teams to take far more perimeter shots than they would like to. It sure would be nice to have Devonte, Svi, and Newman back, if only for one game.

All of which is to say is that you couldn't ask for a much worse R2 matchup if you are a Kansas fan than this one. With their great guard play, versatile high volume 3PT offense and high BLK% defence, they resemble the pre-Durant Warriors in many ways. We'll need to hit our threes, limit turnovers, and hope that Auburn by some chance doesn't hit their own shots just for an opportunity to make it to week #2.

03-22-2019, 01:44 AM	#2375
KC_Connection Perpetual Mediocrity Join Date: Jan 2006 Casino cash: $1612783	While we were fortunate to get Northeastern on their worst shooting game of the year (6/28 from three), that was a good win. Dedric and Dotson showed up in a big way and that proved to be more than enough. Unfortunately for us, though, it doesn't get any easier with Auburn. In fact, we head into Saturday as a clear underdog. If you thought Northeastern created matchup issues for KU, Auburn poses all of the same shooting problems (only tenfold) to KU while also being far better defensively. Auburn takes an incredible 49.7% of shots behind the arc (good for 7th best in the NCAA and only behind their closest comparable Villanova among tournament teams). They also hit those shots at a high 38.1% clip (23rd in the nation). They run lineups out with four and occasionally five guys who can hit threes (including two of their four bigs), which we have seen wreak havoc on Self's defense many times in the past. Even more notably, Auburn is 1st in the NCAA in both steals and turnovers forced on defense. As we know, KU's had season long issues with turnovers, often falling to pieces in that regard on the road. Perhaps even more of a concern is Auburn's propensity for blocked shots (5th in the nation). All four of their bigs are above average shot blockers including one (Wiley) who would rank in the top 5 in BLK% if he qualified. We will not be able to crash the rim with Dotson or throw the ball into Dedric like we did against Northeastern. Those two will have to look to pass in those spots if the offense is going to keep pace with Auburn's at all. In that way, Auburn's defense effectively forces teams to take far more perimeter shots than they would like to. It sure would be nice to have Devonte, Svi, and Newman back, if only for one game. All of which is to say is that you couldn't ask for a much worse R2 matchup if you are a Kansas fan than this one. With their great guard play, versatile high volume 3PT offense and high BLK% defence, they resemble the pre-Durant Warriors in many ways. We'll need to hit our threes, limit turnovers, and hope that Auburn by some chance doesn't hit their own shots just for an opportunity to make it to week #2.
Posts: 57,901