Women’s basketball: Poor defense, turnovers have plagued Gonzaga in 4-5 start — “Our team has a lot of work to do”

[ad_1]

Dec. 3—The NCAA keeps all sorts of pertinent college basketball statistics.

As it regards the Gonzaga women, three turnover-related categories sum up their struggles — particularly what handcuffed the Zags in three losses at Paradise Jam last week.

After the Zags’ opening loss to Missouri State, they were ranked last — 353 out of 353 — in forced turnovers. That’s a statistic that measures defense.

As of Tuesday, Gonzaga moved up one spot to 352, forcing 10.44 turnovers per game.

Two other alarming statistics has Gonzaga 267th at 18.8 turnovers per game and 349th at minus-8.3 turnovers a game against those committed by opponents.

Gonzaga coach Lisa Fortier stood in the middle of the court at McCarthey Athletic Center during FanFest and told fans the Zags would be a good defensive team.

Through nine games, the statistics don’t back up Fortier’s declaration. And with no signature victory, as was the case a year ago, Gonzaga is likely not a candidate for an at-large NCAA Tournament berth. Winning the West Coast Conference Tournament will likely be the Zags’ lone shot at an NCAA berth.

Gonzaga’s trip to the tropical Virgin Islands was anything but a memorable experience on the court. The Zags committed 67 turnovers in three games — a little more than 22 per game.

For the season, Gonzaga is averaging 18.8 turnovers per game, a little more than five more per game over last year. It may not seem like a significant increase, but when the Zags have had 20 or more mistakes, that means fewer shot opportunities. And in their case, opponents have been turning the mistakes into points. Opponents are averaging 12 more points than the Zags on turnovers.

Against Florida State, likely the best team Gonzaga has played, the Zags were outscored 43-5 in points created from turnovers in a 95-54 defeat.

A tough nonconference schedule, designed to challenge the Zags like it did a year ago, has exposed liabilities. The Zags are without two potential starters with mysterious foot injuries —…

[ad_2]
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/womens-basketball-poor-defense-turnovers-030300526.html

Author : The Spokesman-Review, Spokane, Wash.

Publish date : 2024-12-04 03:03:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.