NEW YORK – “Déjà vu all over again,” to quote a wise sage. The NIT semifinal doubleheader was similar to the semis of the recently completed Newark Regional in the NCAA. Washington State versus Wichita state was a one-sided rout devoid of ties or lead changes. Following that, Alabama and Colorado saw five ties, nine lead changes and an SEC team emerge victorious in a game not settled until the final shot.
A tempo-free look follows.
Wichita State 75, Washington State 41
Possessions:
Wichita State 66
Washington State 64
Offensive efficiency:
Wichita State 114
Washington State 69
As the efficiency tells us, this was an outstanding defensive effort by Wichita State, with an offense that was none too shabby. The Shockers held Washington State to a 28 percent effective field goal (eFG) mark, largely influenced by the Cougars 0 for 10 shooting beyond the arc.
Klay Thompson entered the game averaging 22 points per game. Washington State’s junior guard got in early foul trouble and never found his rhythm. Thompson logged 25 minutes, scoring six points on 1 of 10 shooting. A night to forget.
On the opposite end was Garrett Stutz, Wichita’s seven-foot junior center who came in with a 6.7 points per game norm. He literally exploded for a 24-point, 11-rebound effort, both game highs.
Another factor was rebounding, a pre-game concern for Washington State coach Ken Bone. His concerns became reality with Wichita owning a 49-15 percent edge in offensive rebounding percentage. In raw numbers the Shockers held a 52-25 rebounding advantage.
A lone bright spot for Washington state, who finishes at 22-13, was a 14 percent turnover rate.
Alabama 62, Colorado 61
Possessions:
Alabama 60
Colorado 63
Offensive efficiency:
Alabama 103
Colorado 97
In a half court tempo second game, Alabama made the play at the end, Colorado did not. Freshman guard Trevor Releford scored on a baseline drive with 9 seconds remaining. Alec Burks’ last-second perimeter shot rimmed for Colorado and the Crimson Tide was in the championship.
Alabama had only an 11-10 edge in points off turnovers. The damage was done, though, as 25 percent of Colorado’s possessions (compared to 18 percent for Alabama) ended in the dreaded TO.
Alabama managed only 7 percent in free throw rate. It was not due to an inability to get to the line but a poor performance on the charity stripe. The Tide FT rate (made FT divided by FGA) was influenced by a poor 4 of 11 (36 percent) shooting on the line.
JaMychal Green of Alabama paced all scores with 22 points before fouling out late. Burks led Colorado with 20. Levi Knudson added 14 for the Buffaloes. Knudson’s three-point shooting (4 of 10) rallied Colorado from a ten-point second half deficit and helped them take a late lead. A lead lost due to Releford’s heroics.
