BROOKINGS Theres a lot to like about South Dakota State as it heads into the heart of conference play.
With an offense thats third in the Summit League in scoring and a team aspect that is continuing to grow, the Jackrabbits could make a push toward a Summit League title and have their eyes set on returning to the NCAA Tournament.
But while SDSU head coach Eric Henderson has commended his teams progress since Christmas break, he also knows that if the Jacks are going to go anywhere, theyll need to improve defensively.
Our intent has been in a good spot, Henderson said of his defense. I love our progression and I think were getting better. I think were close. But we need a little more intent, a little more urgency and a little more pride on that defensive end of the floor.
SDSUs defense has been inconsistent despite some positive trends. While the Jacks are allowing 72.6 points per game and leading the conference with an opposing shooting percentage of 41.8 percent, theyve allowed 75 or more points in nine of their 18 games this season and including five of their past seven games.
The Jacks have also allowed teams to score 80 or more points seven times this season including two of their three conference games. While SDSU was able to survive in an 81-80 win over St. Thomas on Jan. 11, they werent as fortunate after allowing 99 points in a Jan. 13 loss to Denver.
Part of the issue is how teams have been attacking the Jacks as teams have taken a perimeter-heavy approach to avoid the Jacks size. With seven-footer Nate Barnhart, 6-foot-9, 230-pound William Kyle III and 6-foot-8, 240-pound Luke Appel, only UT Martin (522), Portland (513) and Long Beach State (510) have seen their opponents take more 3-pointers than SDSU (506) this season.
With opponents knocking down 3-pointers at a 35.2 percent clip this season, the Jacks havent penalized their opponents from chucking the ball at the rim. The trend has continued with a whopping 105 attempts in SDSUs three conference games so far.
To put this in context, the 35 attempts per game would lead Division I, edging North Floridas 34.9 3-point attempts per game.
While the approach didnt hurt SDSU in their wins over North Dakota (8-for-37, 21.6%) and St. Thomas (13-for-39, 33.3%), the Jacks were burned in their loss to the Pioneers, who hit on 14-of-29 (48.2%) of their 3-pointers.
Henderson alluded to some things SDSU cant control and how many 3-pointers their opponents take could be one of those things. But he also suggested that the Jacks could change some things up as they go further into conference play.
I think theres some things principle-wise that you need to look at, Henderson said when asked about the defense. What is our plan? What are we giving up? Theres certainly some reflection on what I can control as far as what is the philosophy. How are we guarding ball screens? How are we guarding in the post? What are we trying to take away? Things like that are certainly being evaluated every single day and are we putting these guys in a position to be successful?
While tweaking the defense and intensity on that side of the court could be one change, the Jacks could also limit the opportunities they are giving their opponents. SDSUs 12.3 turnovers per game is the third-highest clip in the conference and ranks 191st in the nation heading into Thursday nights game against Omaha.
With SDSU providing more chances on the offensive ends, opponents have had extra opportunities to hurt them from long range.
We have to take care of the basketball better, Henderson said. Weve just had some careless turnovers and when we get a shot, were one of the most efficient teams in college basketball. The problem is were averaging about 12 turnovers a game and we need some of those back.
The good news is that improving the defense could be the final piece toward claiming the Summit League title. SDSU offense is averaging 76.3 points per game and is second in shooting percentage at 48.2 percent heading into the weekend. After playing 12 of their 18 games on the road or neutral courts, the Jacks will play five of their next seven games at home, giving their defense a boost from the crowd at Frost Arena.
While Henderson acknowledges those aspects are a boost, he still will need his defense to step up to take a giant leap.
Certainly, its a team game, right? Henderson said. So they need to buy into that as well. They need to have the understanding that to reach our goals, we need to be one of the better defensive teams in the league and were not right now. Thats just the reality of it. So, you take a look at all of that and you try to make changes.
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