Free throw shooting observations in Maryland’s 78-75 win in men’s bb on Jan. 11, 2019 by Tim McTaggart

I did not attend or watch this game, but I have studied the box score and related information.

Indiana led at halftime of this game, 35-27, after an apparent slow start by Maryland. For the game, Indiana was perfect from the free throw line, making 16-16 free throws. So, how could the free throw shooting have had an impact in this game especially since Indiana did not miss any foul shots, but they lost the game?

Well, Maryland shot over 80% with its free throws and attempted more free throws, 22 vs.16 than Indiana. Even though Indiana had a 100% free throw percentage, Maryland scored 18 points from free throws and Indiana scored 2 fewer points with 16 free throws.

Maryland also scored one extra point with one more three point basket than Indiana, but the number of successful 2 point and 3 point field goals in total was the same which was 26 for each team.

Looking at the margin of victory: in a win by only 3 points, the difference for Maryland was the one extra 3 point shot it made as compared to Indiana which gave Maryland one more point from successful three point shots, and two additional points from the free throw line. It is telling that the total number of fouls committed by Indiana totaled 21, while Maryland had a total of 15. That likely means that Maryland's style of play was able to "draw" more fouls which gave it 6 more free throw attempts. If in this game Maryland had fewer free throw opportunities, or the same as Indiana, then this game might have swung to Indiana or gone into overtime. Getting to the free throw line to shoot free throws was a key to MD's victory and they may get a national ranking next week with this win.

More to come, promise, on shooters vs. scorers in a future posting.

_________
McTaggart, for a fee plus expenses, is available to speak at basketball banquets and related events as well as to provide instruction/consulting regarding free throw techniques and drills.