April 1, 2023: National championship game preview: A look at both defenses
It is gameday!!! Originally planned for this post to go out yesterday, but since I’m writing it late Friday night, I scheduled it to drop early this morning. The D-III national champ will be crowned in Dallas by the early afternoon, and this is very likely one of the most highly anticipated championship games in recent memory. With the stage it is being played on (a combined national championship event with D-I and D-II) and the resumes of both teams (including the fact that both squads are undefeated), a great battle is set to ensue. On Thursday, I did a deep dive into both offenses. Today, the focus is on defense.
And remember, today’s game is on CBS Sports Network, tipping at 12:00 p.m. EST.
Transylvania on defense
Overall
Success seems to start on the defensive end for the Pioneers, who have been remarkably consistent on that end of the floor this season. Currently ranked in the Top 10 nationally in field goal percentage defense (8th) and scoring defense (6th), Transy simply doesn’t let the opponent get many open looks. Not overly aggressive—they foul an average of just 12.8 times per game—the Pioneers instead deny drives to the lane, and stay engaged even as the shot clock runs low. Playing a sort of 1-3-1 zone defense against Smith worked well enough, though the defensive strategy is likely to be slightly different against CNU. They are generally a zone-type team, but have seemed to tweak things game-to-game, based on the opponent and its strengths.
Key number: 23.0%
Opponents do not make a high number of 3-pointers against the Pioneers, shooting just 23% this season, which ranks 12th nationally. CNU isn’t known for taking a large quantity of shots from beyond the arc, but with its exceptional guard play, certainly has the potential to get it going from long range. That will be a difficult task, however, against a Transy defense that is tough to beat on the perimeter.
Final thought
With its entire roster available, headlined by a strong core of experienced players, Transylvania’s defense stacks up well against the nation’s best, and that includes CNU. In what appears like it could be a defense-dominated contest, the Pioneers seem ready for the challenge. They won’t force many turnovers, but won’t allow many CNU shots to fall in either.
CNU on defense
Overall
The Captains play an exciting brand of defense, encompassing speed, agility, and great ball skills. The guards are quick to come up with steals, evidenced by the fact that CNU ranks 8th nationally in steals per game (15.5), and generally playing man-to-man defense, the Captains don’t give ball-handlers much separation when it comes to outside shots. They can also run a zone pretty well, as we saw in the final minutes of the narrow win over Rhode Island College. With the ability—and confidence—to pivot between defenses if need be, CNU is a tough opponent for any offense to match up with.
Key stat: 27.68
That is the number of turnovers forced on average per contest by CNU, a number that is fifth-best nationally and only second to Trinity (TX) in terms of teams who qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Aggressive and disciplined on the defensive end, CNU can cause havoc in a hurry, and force turnovers which turn into transition points, widening a lead in a matter of a few possessions.
Final thought
CNU has the ability to dictate pace of play with its aggressiveness on the defensive end, something that will be important to watch against a slower-paced Transy offense. The Captains need a strong defensive performance to create offensive momentum, and all indications point towards that being a likely outcome, especially in the game’s first half. If CNU is forcing turnovers and coming up with steals, it is hard to slow the Captains down.
That’s my quick takes on both defenses! I could be spot-on…or I could be way off…I guess we’ll see in a few hours! I’ll be checking in from Dallas soon…so stay tuned! I’ll also have coverage on Twitter (@ZayasRiley) so follow along there.