Defensive Matchup -- Charlotte vs. NC State

Earlier this week I took a gander at each team's offensive numbers, and now it's time to see how the defenses stack up.

Opp AdjFG%

Charlotte: 49.4%
NC State: 48.6%

D-Reb Rate

Charlotte: 66%
NC State: 63.9%

Opp Turnover Rate

Charlotte: 22.9%
NC State: 23.3%

Opp FTA/FGA

Charlotte: .281
NC State: .393


Of interest is that FTA/FGA category. I mentioned in the offense comparison that Charlotte had a huge advantage in free throw attempts over its opponents (716-477), and that's evident in this defensive category. I don't have the numbers for the defenses of other ACC teams with which to compare that low figure (ACC teams are the only ones I track, so they're the only teams I can compare to UNCC), but consider: the worst team in the ACC at generating free throw attempts is Miami, which has a FTA/FGA ratio of .286.

As for why Charlotte has been so good at keeping opponents off the line...I haven't a clue. I wouldn't think it would have anything to do with the schedule they've played this season. On a per-game basis, Charlotte is commiting about 17 personal fouls. NC State is commiting about 19.

NC State must be mindful of Eddie Basden's yoink!-ing prowess. Basden has 91 steals in 28 games, and he averages 3.6 steals per 40 minutes. NC State's most proficient swiper, Tony Bethel, averages 2.4 steals per 40 minutes.

On paper at least, Basden looks like a fabulous player. In addition to the 15 points and 8 boards per game he averages, as well as the steals mentioned above, Basden has the second best assist-to-turnover ratio on the team.

NC State is slightly better than Charlotte at keeping its opponents' adjFG% down and at creating turnovers. Charlotte, not surprisingly, is better at grabbing defensive rebounds.