Patriots take on high-scoring, no defense playing VMI

I almost wonder why any team outside of the Big South schedules a team like VMI, sure they give you a great workout, but what does their unorthodox style prepare you for? VMI is a team that has an offensive strategy of running down the court and taking the first shot available, and I mean any first shot available. If you are at the game you will be surprised at some of the shot selections they make, you won't see any ball movement looking for the best shot. This leads them to not only look like the Paul Westhead offensive style some old Patriot fans and alum would love to forget but also giving them the highest scoring team in the country. Their run-and-gun offense is based mostly on taking quick shots from the perimeter as soon as someone down the floor is open. Historically over 40% of their points come from three-pointers and they typically lead the nation in that statistical category. They attempted 63 3-pointers against West Virginia Wesleyan. And as Brian Mull points out in his blog before a game between UNCW and VMI, this system actually comes out of necessity, as head coach Duggar Baucom only has 2 hours a day access to his players, 4:15-6:15 Monday-Friday and all pre-season workouts and conditioning have to held during that window as well. That doesn't leave a whole lot of time to watch tape and draw up offensive strategy.

This type of offense has led to just as many points on the other end for the Keydets unfortunately. They basically just don't play defense and give up two-pointers like no one's business, most teams they have played this year have scored between 90-110 against them. Could this style rattle the young Patriots early? With their relentless three-point attack and the fact that Creighton didn't have much trouble knocking down the outside shots against them, I think Mason will have to play a very diciplined game Tuesday night. Too many turnovers will lead to a double digit deficit for the Patriots that could be difficult to overcome, even at home. They will have to slow down the game and force their style of play on the Keydets while taking it inside whenever they can. Transition defense will be very important and missed assignments could be very costly for Mason.