Not Going All Out?

[MU83]

Is it me or does it look as if we do not play hard on the defensive end early in almost every game, especially on the glass?  One theory is that we are so conscious of our lack of depth that we try to manage the game and not get fouls early.  Any thoughts?

[NersEllenson]

There is probably some merit to your post.  I know Buzz has always stressed playing D without fouling.  He hates losing the Free Throws Attempted stat, and putting teams in the bonus.  Very smart coaching in general, much less with a team as thin as MU this year.  Contrast this to Tom Crean's fouling machine teams..that definitely probably played more agressive defense, but that led to dumb fouls and losing the free throw battle in a lot of games.

[77ncaachamps]

Ners is right.

Lazar seems like he doesn't even try to challenge...somewhat can be said about Jimmy.

But if your margin is razor thin, losing a Lazar or a Jimmy or a DJO to foul trouble and placing the opposing team on the line SOONER than later expands that margin to almost impassable.