PCTI XII Game 4 - Sabin's Analysis

 Recap Game 4

Game 4 is in the books.

Wow. My how the turntables have turned. The Bullies live up to their pedigree and blow out the Boxes 65-47 to even the series at 2-2. The Bullies start the game with one of the greatest runs in PCTI history, a 30-8 sprint in just 8 minutes of game action. Hops leads the charge with shotmaking, defensive tenacity, and furious energy. He willed his team to match his relentless spirit. The Bullies once again dominate the glass, especially the offensive side with 12 rebounds, leading to 17 more shot attempts than the Boxes. But this time, the Bullies shoot it well, draining 27-61 from the field for 44%, including 6-19 from deep. TP joins the action with a huge stat line of 14 points, 9 boards, and 5 steals. The Bullies also start talking shit to Juice with mixed results. He has a career-high 10 boards but also 6 turnovers. It becomes their new favorite thing to do.

Analysis:

1) Bullies shoot 27-61 FGAs for 44.3%, including 6-19 from deep. Meanwhile, the Boxes go cold, shooting 16-44 from the field, just 36.4%. It sounds like very simple analysis, but the Bullies took more shots and made more shots.

2) Hops’ leadership was tangible. He scores 18 points on 7-11 FGAs with 3 triples. He also drops 4 dimes and snags 4 steals. A few teammates join the party, including TP with 14 and 9 on 6-12 FGAs. He adds 5 steals, many of which turn into points on the other end. And BC announces his presence with 9-6-6 on 4-8 FGAs. He got a lot of PG minutes with this squad and has 17 assists through 4 games as his team turns to him for playmaking.

3) Boxes set a tournament high with 17 turnovers. We literally threw the ball all over the gym, and many of these live ball turnovers turned into points for the Bullies. With 9 fewer turnovers and 5 more offensive boards, you can understand how the Bullies continue to get more shot attempts each game.

4) For all PCTIers who hate the Sabin Productivity Metric, it continues to fire on all cylinders, and more importantly, tell the truth. Hops records an enormous 37, while TP scores a 32. Kyle records a 27, which is becoming commonplace for him. For reference, a SPERM score of 15+ is productive, while 20+ is amazing. 25+ is silly good.

3 Stars of the Game:

1) Hops - Dude does his best work when his team’s back is against the wall. This performance reminds me of PCTI 2, game 4, when we needed to win after Eskildsen got injured. Goes for 18 points on 7-11 FGAs and 3 triples. Adds 4 boards, 4 assists, and 4 steals. More importantly, led his team with fire-breathing energy and timely plays. Juice is kicking himself right now for not taking the trade.

2) TP - Dude’s energy continues to be relentless. Really staking a claim for top pick next season. 14 points and 9 boards with 6-12 FGAs. Adds 3 assists, 5 steals, and PCTI’s first dunk. While he is shooting 2-15 from deep, EVERY OTHER PART OF HIS GAME IS ELITE.

3) Sabin - Helped rally his team to claw back from a deficit of 22 to lose by just 18. Scores 21 points on 7-10 FGAs and 3-4 from deep. Adds 4-4 from the free throw line. Throws in 6 boards. Prompts Biz to menacingly threaten him after the game by saying “You’ll see a lot of me tomorrow.”