SLU set for fast pace on big stage vs. Virginia Tech
Two games are not enough to create a worthwhile analysis, but St. Louis University coach Travis Ford would like to think he has seen the ingredients of a pesky defense emerge in the team?s first two wins.
The Billikens have allowed 48 points a game, averaged 9.5 steals and held opponents to 33.7 percent shooting. But that was against Seattle and Rockhurst in the cozy confines of Chaifetz Arena.
It remains to be seen if any of that will matter to Virginia Tech, which will be SLU?s opponent Thursday night in the 2K Classic at Madison Square Garden.
Coach Buzz Williams has his team in high gear. And although the Hokies? average of 121.5 points in two wins is exaggerated because of the style played in one game, it reflects accurately on what he is trying to do. The Hokies have easily surpassed 100 points twice and figure to do so again at some point.
?We?re probably playing against the fastest team in America, bar none,? Ford said. ?I don?t know if there?s a close second as far as a team that?s going to average 100 points a game. And it?s by design. We have to prepare for a very talented, high-octane offense.?
The step up to a larger stage will be reflected in the arena, the opponent and an appearance on ESPN2.
SLU has had eight scholarship players available for the first two games and officials have not commented on whether that situation will change against Virginia Tech. Playing the Hokies? pace with a short bench is a tall order.
They scored 111 points in a win over Detroit Mercy to start the season and followed with 132 against The Citadel. That was the most points Virginia Tech has ever scored in regulation, although it came against a team that wanted to play fast and in a game that produced a high number of possessions.
Williams said after beating The Citadel that he wasn?t sure how to analyze the game because of the style. He expects SLU and Friday?s opponent to provide a better look at how his team will execute.
?I think we?ll find out a lot,? he said after the game. ?Detroit was an 89-possession game. (The Citadel) was a 97-possession game. I think it?ll be in the 70s both games, depending upon who we play.?
SLU is trying to implement an aggressive and physical style of defense, although the key against Virginia Tech could be not getting caught up in the pace. The Billikens have used a zone some in the first two games and Ford believes it will be a good weapon in time.
They have been disruptive on the perimeter, led by guard Jordan Goodwin, who is averaging four steals. They also have a presence around the rim after three seasons of offering little resistance when opponents took the ball inside.
But Ford knows he won?t be able to simulate Virginia Tech?s speed in practice. The same goes for the spotlight of playing in a historic building on national television.
?We?ll find out,? Ford said. ?I?m anxious to see how we respond to the scouting report, going on the road, all those things. It?s really our first true road test. There?s a lot I?m interested to see. For a lot of these guys this will be the fastest, most aggressive team they?ve ever played in their life.?
The big offensive games have allowed the Hokies to post all kinds of gaudy statistics. They are shooting 62.5 percent and have made 44.2 percent of their 3-pointers. They also are averaging a 21-rebound advantage.
Depending on the outcome, SLU will play either Providence or Washington on Friday in an event that Ford pursued hard during the spring when it was discovered that Indiana was pulling out of the field.
?I will talk to the players about the opportunity to play in such a historic arena,? Ford said. ?We need to embrace the opportunity to play in the greatest arena there is. I?ve had the opportunity to coach and have played there many times. It never gets old.?
