Tempo free statistics for the MAAC: Marist the class of the conference despite losses

The "efficiency margin" is the offensive efficiency (points per possession multiplied by 100) minus the defensive efficiency. Naturally an efficiency margin of positive numbers is most desirable. The group is listed in efficiency margin order and numbers (courtesy of WBBState.com).

Best Offenses:

1. Iona 107

2. Marist 105

3. Quinnipiac 98

4. Fairfield 97

Best Defenses:

1. Marist 79

2. Quinnipiac 88

3. Monmouth 90

4. Manhattan 91

No surprise with Marist far and wide on top defensively. The defense is the cornerstone of Brian Giorgis' program. Interesting that two under .500 teams are among the best on defense. A reason behind the struggles at Manhattan and Monmouth is offensive efficiencies of 87 and 84 respectfully. On the offensive end only Iona (10-7) and Marist (100) own efficiencies surpassing the century mark.

In Marist's two losses, the defense was the culprit. Iona edged the Red Foxes 75-71 with an efficiency of 106 (Marist was at 100). Fairfield's 72-68 triumph saw the Stags post an outstanding 111 efficiency. Marist was at 103, good on offense but far below acceptable on defense.

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