Huge Defensive Improvement a Bright Spot for Utes
Hope we didn't give the impression that all coach Jim Boylen talked about at his weekly press conference was the Super Bowl.
In fact, his answers to my questions about his favorite advertisement and so forth came only after a lengthy discussion about his team and the challenge it faces against league-leading UNLV at the Huntsman Center on Wednesday night.
Among the first things Boylen wanted to talk about was his team's improved defense. And I can't say I blame him. The Utes are easily the best defensive team in the league in Mountain West Conference play, allowing just 58.7 points per game and 37.9 percent shooting -- including a scant 27.6 percent from three-point range.
That's a far cry from last season, when the Utes allowed 76 points and 50.2 percent shooting in league games. Opponents also hit 45.6 percent from long range against the Utes in league play.
"I have to give my team credit" for that, Boylen said. "It's an awesome stat. We have improved that since our preseason, our pre-conference season, and the coaches have done a great job of working at it. So I'm happy about that."
Now, if only they can score a few more baskets.
The Air Force Falcons, by the way, technically have best defense in league play, based on points allowed. But the 58.0 points they allow is significantly a function of their slow and deliberate style; after all, the Falcons aren't as good as the Utes at preventing good shooting percentages. They rank only fourth in league play by allowing 41.3 percent shooting, and 32.7 percent shooting from three-point range.
In fact, his answers to my questions about his favorite advertisement and so forth came only after a lengthy discussion about his team and the challenge it faces against league-leading UNLV at the Huntsman Center on Wednesday night.
Among the first things Boylen wanted to talk about was his team's improved defense. And I can't say I blame him. The Utes are easily the best defensive team in the league in Mountain West Conference play, allowing just 58.7 points per game and 37.9 percent shooting -- including a scant 27.6 percent from three-point range.
That's a far cry from last season, when the Utes allowed 76 points and 50.2 percent shooting in league games. Opponents also hit 45.6 percent from long range against the Utes in league play.
"I have to give my team credit" for that, Boylen said. "It's an awesome stat. We have improved that since our preseason, our pre-conference season, and the coaches have done a great job of working at it. So I'm happy about that."
Now, if only they can score a few more baskets.
The Air Force Falcons, by the way, technically have best defense in league play, based on points allowed. But the 58.0 points they allow is significantly a function of their slow and deliberate style; after all, the Falcons aren't as good as the Utes at preventing good shooting percentages. They rank only fourth in league play by allowing 41.3 percent shooting, and 32.7 percent shooting from three-point range.
posted by www.sltrib.com @ 10:28 AM |
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