FAU Basketball: 3 keys for Final Four matchup vs San Diego State Aztecs

Take Smart Shots

San Diego State will try and force Florida Atlantic into taking rushed ill-advised shots at the end of the shot clock. That is how they win games. They held Alabama and Creighton, two of the most prolific offensive teams in the country to season-low shooting percentages from deep and near their season lows in points. The Crimson Tide and Bluejays shot 12% from deep for the game. That is well under their season average. If Florida Atlantic wants a chance in this game they are going to have to make threes. The Aztecs stopped the ball movement and forced teams to play one on one basketball.

In the four games that Florida Atlantic has already won in this tournament, they have moved the ball well and gotten the best shot. There have been rare times when they have tried to take a quick shot early in the clock but for the most part, the Owls have maximized their possessions. In the game against Tennessee, a team who does similar things to San Diego State on defense, the Owls were able to keep it close for a while before they started making tough shots in the second half. Those tough makes led to increased ball movement and eventual open shooters. The Owls are going to have their work cut out for them on the offensive end and by taking bad rushed shots they are playing exactly what the Aztecs want them to do.

Should be easy though right?  Pass the ball and work the best shot. Well against a team with the length that the Aztecs have passing the ball has been tough, they are great at anticipating the pass, and have the length and quickness to deflect and defend everything from everywhere on the court.

Don’t get discouraged and just stay the course if you’re the Owls. They have faced defenses like this already this year and have won the games. San Diego State thrives on chaos and the more you panic on offense the tougher they get. Move the ball and get the best shots and they should win the game.