Jan 16 2009
Steals and blocked shots still an issue for Cal defense
While the Golden Bears move through the remaining games of their 2008-’09 season, defensive play is going to become a focus for the team. Up until now, their defense hasn’t really played bad, but it hasn’t been exceptional either. For the year, the Bears rank 88th in field goal percentage defense and 76th in three-point field goal percentage, which isn’t bad when you consider that is out of 330 teams.
Most of those teams haven’t played the type of schedule that the Bears have played either. According to CBSsports.com’s RPI poll, the Cal Bears have the 33rd strongest schedule in Div I basketball this season. That may be why steals and blocks haven’t been so easy to come by.
The Bears rank 248 in blocked shots-per game and an even worse 311 steals per game so far this season. While they’ve gone 15-2 and most of those wins coming rather easily, they haven’t utilized some fundamentals that could’ve made all of them much easier.
One thing is certain: When they play the UCLA Bruins, they’ll have to be able to come up with a few opportunistic blocks and steals if they hope to defeat them. Playing their normal game of making shots difficult won’t be enough against a team that is thought to be within the five best in the nation.
Until then, they should take the opportunity to improve upon these areas as they motor through their schedule on a collision path with the Bruins. Maybe by then, they’ll be ready to upset the team that is universally thought to be the best in the Pac-10.
Next game info:
California Golden Bears at Stanford Cardinal
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009
Location: Stanford, Calif.
Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
Coverage
TV: Comcast SportsNet Bay Area
Radio: KYOU (1550 AM)
