Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: NJIT Notches #2

by Ray Floriani

NEWARK, NJ – That’s two in the books and it’s not even December. NJIT earned its second win of the season with a thrilling 56-51 decision over Wagner at the Fleischer Athletic Center.

A 72 Possession Contest:

	Off.
	Eff.
Wagner	71
NJIT	78

The four factors...

	eFG%	FTA/FGA	OReb%	TO%
Wagner	33	16	32	24
NJIT	37	27	29	24

The factors are very close with a noticeable difference being free throw production and eFG in NJIT’s favor. Highlander coach Jim Engles stressed in pre-game to contest the perimeter, even if it meant sacrificing something in the paint. Wagner’s Michael Orock (22 pts 14 rebounds) was effective inside but the Seahawks of the NEC could manage only 3 of 22 (14%) from beyond the arc.

The turnover rate was high for NJIT but not a difference as Wagner had similar problems in that category. Actually the turnovers, a consistently sore spot for the Highlanders last year, have been cut down. Through the first 3 games the NJIT TO rate was 16%. The 17 turnovers committed by NJIT on this night were not a huge concern for Engles. Simply it was a hard fought game where, "nothing came easy for anyone..." per Wagner coach Mike Deane.

The talent upgrade is very evident at NJIT. Last year’s point guard, 6-4 sophomore Isaiah Wilkerson is at his more ‘natural’ four spot. He paced NJIT with 17 points 13 boards.

"This was the type game we had a number of times late last season and couldn’t finish…Now we can go out on the court in a game like this and know we have a chance." – NJIT coach Jim Engles.

"We have to get better offensively. We are a young team and even our seniors are young experience wise and in terms of knowing their roles." - Wagner coach Mike Deane

Guest Contributor Ray Floriani: A Four Factors Look at NJIT

by Ray Floriani

NEWARK, NJ - I covered the Wagner-NJIT game today and the first thing I did on getting game stats was to figure out NJIT’s four factors. The Highlanders entered the contest 0-11, riding a 44 game losing streak. I wanted to see if the four factors could tell me where they were weak and severe their deficiencies might be. And to see if there were any silver linings. The four factors:

	eFG%	FTRate	OR%	TO%	Eff
NJIT	36	30	30	30	68
Opponents	48	53	33	25	96

*NJIT averages 65 possessions.

Notes : The Highlanders really struggle on offense. The culprits are their turnover rate (about 30%) and their effective field goal percentage (about 36%). Simply, NJIT struggles to make shots on those possessions that do not expire with them giving the ball away. The offensive rebounding difference is not extreme. NJIT has some height and a few players who can penetrate. Still, I’m not surprised the free throw rate has a disparity. Playing catch up every nights necessitates a number of three point attempts, and less chances to get to the charity stripe. Pleasantly surprised by their silver lining, defense. The 96 defensive efficiency is not bad and the 25% opposing TO rate is good. NJIT does defend.

On this afternoon, a 58-48 loss, the Highlanders trailed by a dozen at the half, but managed to take a one point lead with just under 10 minutes to play. Wagner responded with a run and victory number one still has to wait. Say this, the tempo free stats nor any other stats can measure how hard they play. Coach Jim Engles is enthusiastic and upbeat and it carries onto the court. Down ten with a minute to go, NJIT had a player dive across the floor for a loose ball. The effort is there. Now if a few shots would fall.

	eFG%	FTRate	OR%	TO%	Eff
Wagner	51	42	31	20	99
NJIT	46	25	25	22	84

* 69 possessions

"You have to be a coach to appreciate the marvelous job Jim (Enlges) has done. They will win a few games this year. I’m just glad it wasn’t against us."
-- Wagner Coach Mike Deane