Coaches will often preach about the importance of the first four minutes. Not only the minutes following tip off, but the beginning of the second half as well. Let us break down the first four of Marist's 63-45 victory over loyola in the MAAC championship game.
* Missed shots are ones ultimately rebounded by the opposition. For example, a miss can be grabbed on the offensive end and converted and that possession would counted as a made field goal.
First half:
Loyola Marist
1. Turnover missed shot
2. Missed shot Field goal
3. Field goal missed shot
4. Field goal missed shot
5. two free throws one of two free throws
6. three point field goal missed shot
7. missed shot missed shot
Score : 9-3 Loyola
Offensive efficiency : Loyola 129 Marist 43
- The favorable 9-3 start saw Loyola go backdoor twice and convert against Marist defensive pressure. More important, it gave the Greyhounds confidence as they actually built the lead to nine before Marist made a late first half run.
Second half : Score 25-23 Marist
1. Turnover missed shot
2. Turnover missed shot
3. missed shot missed shot
4. missed shot Field goal
5. missed shot missed shot
6. Turnover missed shot
7. missed shot field goal
Score : 29-23 Marist
First Four efficiency : Marist 57 Loyola 0
- Marist only outscored Loyola 4-0 but from their perspective they still built the lead from a one to two possession game. Underdog and second seed Loyola had a great opportunity to draw even and possibly retake the lead. They did not capitalize and never drew even again as the game wore on.
