BRONX, N.Y. – A game decided by a possession invariably tells you one made the plays in the stretch while the other team did not. In Saturday’s 66-63 Fordham victory over Rhode Island, you can say that was the case. A much closer look, specifically under the glass, tells us where the game was decided: the offensive boards. In raw numbers Fordham held an 18-6 advantage. In the offensive rebounding percentage Fordham held a 44-19% edge. That basically told the tale.
The possessions:
Rhode Island 68
Fordham 68
The efficiency:
Rhode Island 92
Fordham 98
Possessions are extended by offensive rebounds. In the old formula utilized by Dean Smith, a possession ended on a turnover, field goal or free throw attempt. Today what was a possession is simply classified as a “play”. Looking at those numbers shows how important Fordham’s edge on the offensive boards was.
Plays:
Rhode Island 75
Fordham 87.5
Points per play:
Rhode Island .84
Fordham .75
Per play, Rhode Island was more efficient. If you cannot match the opposition’s efficiency you need more plays, by winning the offensive boards. Fordham did that in a big way.
Observations:
Each team is guard-oriented. With Chris Gaston sidelined with a knee injury, Fordham was minus an in-the-paint player capable of providing points and boards. The hosts did get solid outings from freshman Travion Leonard (13 points, seven rebounds) and sophomore Ryan Canty (seven points, eight boards). Canty will not finesse you but does work hard and mixed it up well in the paint.
Rhode Island also lacks a consistent inside presence. Danny Hurley’s former teammate Jerry Walker was in attendance. The Rhody mentor could use a Walker-like hard worker, rebounder and effective performer in the paint.
Rhode Island runs some effective half court sets. Moving 6-7 Nikola Malesevic outside allows the Rams to switch from three perimeter, two inside to a four-out offense. The latter opens lanes for guard penetration.
I was impressed with both coaches who are doing a solid job. Hurley and Fordham’s Tom Pecora are both in rebuilding modes, Pecora much more so as Fordham has never really established an A-10 winner. Both will not accept less than a sterling effort. Hurley coaches every possession and is in perpetual motion during the game.
Pecora can be just as intense though less of a sideline roamer. The Fordham mentor is as tough on his group. Following a 45-point loss at Dayton on Wednesday, the Rams flew home and were “treated” to a 5:30 a.m. practice. The message: less than an all out effort is unacceptable. One can surmise that Fordham got the message loud and clear.
Rhode Island fell to 1-4 in conference. Fordham improved to 2-3. Entering this season Fordham won five Atlantic Ten games over the past four seasons combined. Fordham’s Brandon Frazier led all scorers with 20 points. Rhode Island placed five in double figures, led by Mike Powell with 14 points.
