But there is another issue if you look at the stat sheets last year over this year.  I see perimeter defense. We all recall last season, Ohio was one of the best in the country at defending the three.  This year, not the same so far.  Last season they defended the 3-pt shot at a 29.4% clip.  This year it's at 37%.  FG % defense as a whole is down from 41% to 43%.   Personally, from the games I've seen, it feels like there have been more open looks and uncontested shots this year so far.  Just my observations.

Last thing the stats say that we all know will be a problem sometimes with this team is rebounding. This group is getting out rebounded by a wider margin than last year thus far.  Getting more rebounds usually means getting to the line a little more.

To me, the bottom line is that there are issues in the mental, chemistry, and "toughness" areas of the game right now -- the basics of playing defense (that was excellent last season), getting to the line and getting rebounds. I think there's plenty of time to see those things get better.  At this point, we're in a win in March situation anyway, so hopefully we see things gelling in February again like in year's past.


The thing that has been running through my head in the last 3 weeks is this:  Will we possibly be better next year because next year will really be Jim's team?