Continuing the Defensive Efficiency Vigil, we're up to 53rd today.
Duke's Defense. Getting less sucky every day.
According to the game notes prior to the 2/28 Wake game:
"Duke’s perimeter defense has improved significantly over the last 14 games. Duke has held those 14 opponents to a .290 shooting percentage from beyond the arc and allowed just three of those teams to shoot better than .350 from three-point range. Only four of those teams have hit more than five three-pointers in a game."
Our real problem is that we don't force turnovers like the typical Coach K team. 6.2 steals per game is the lowest total since 1996. and would be the 2nd lowest of any year from 1984-present (not counting 1995). Our turnover margin is also one of the lowest in the Coach K era.
The defense has actually improved more than I thought it could even a month ago. Not only have the guys defended the 3 ball much better, the perimeter guys are getting beat off the dribble far less than earlier in the season. Austin, Tyler, and Seth have all improved there. Tyler had a heck of a game guarding Green Saturday. Even more impressive given the quick turnaround for Duke, and the normal amount of rest for the Hokies.
Forcing more turnovers would be nice, but I am tickled to death if they can continue to limit the dribble penetration that was killing us earlier.