I researched UNM box scores at their website. Based on the numbers here are somethings I have come up with for beating them.
(1) Force turnovers and convert in transition. They can be careless with the ball for stretches. They are quick yet give up transition points.
(*A) If you try and get in a running game with UNM you will be in BIG trouble. We usually run 3 guards that can get up and down the court. Ranging from 6'2 to 6'7 at the guard spot. Your best bet is a half court game, princeton style...
(2) If they get it going from the field, use a lot of fouls on them with our depth. Sort of like we chose who to foul against Weber State and it paid off. Use a similar strategy against UNM.
(*A) UNM is 30-37 or sumething in last 2 games from the free throw line. careful what you ask for...
(3) When they shoot under 35% from 3 they are very vulnerable. By looking at the stats, I guess they force some shots. They continue to shoot 3's even when struggling. Use this to our advantage.
(*A) Thats hard to keep UNM under 35% if your not faster, and stronger, and heavy winded... UNM ALWAYS takes open 3's and RARELY forces one. BTW they will get you with all thier pics, screen, and motion offense
(4) They are very seldom beat on the boards, so if they struggle from the field box them out and limit multiple chances. In my opinion, a forced shot and defensive rebound is every bit as good as a turnover.
(*A) The 2 teams we mauled from the Big 12, Utah (x2) and CSU with 7 ftrs couldnt even box our guys off the glass. only 3 time all yr has it happened... Almost a losing battle. They might be smaller but their also one of the most Athletic teams in the West and by far the most athletic team UM has faced this yr.
(5) Utilize Selvig and Qvale as often as possible inside. A few frontline tandems did well against them.
(*A) I hope ur bigs are fast, and athletic, cuz Will Brown and AJ Hardeman are catalysts of the glass and shutting down the paint.. HIGHLY underrated duo in the paint, These guys banged with SDSU bigs which has the best bigs in the West..
(6) Always keep Selvig or Qvale inside the paint defensively, even when they try to draw them out. Being a smaller team that is part of the reason they are a good rebounding team. They force better rebounding bigs out of the paint and then outquick them to the ball. Basically they lessen the presence of a big man on the boards and shotblocking.
(*A) Do that and you will leave HUGE gaps for Dairese Gary, Darington Hobson, and Phil Mcdonald to penetrate and eat your lunc. Colapse and they dish to the open corner for the 3... OUCH
In a nutshell these things come down to disciplined and awareness every trip down court on both ends. We cannot affort any mental errors. For the most part the GRIZ have been a very disciplined team as for taking good shots and taking care of the ball. I have believe we can do all these things, and really do have a good feeling of their weaknesses playing into our strengths.
**** I hope so
Cherry and our bigs have to stay out of foul trouble. We need Cherry's ballhandling in there. Selvig and Qvale are our biggest advantages. Their presence will be huge defensively and on the boards. If UNM likewise gets either of them in foul trouble, it will be hard to overcome our strength suddenly being minimized.
(*A) Rest assured the UNM slashes and drives will draw enormous foul trouble for the Grizzlies. Thats what they do! Their among tops in drawing fouls and getting to the line! And lately, you wanna keep them off the line..
We have to keep their 3% below 35%. If we do that alone, I really like our chances. Then again, alot of that depends on their discipline too. I really hope we get to their perimeter shooters everytime down court, and force them to outrebound us or beat us in the paint.
(*A) UNM will be by far the most Disciplined team you have played this year. Keepin mind, they are also the 3rd youngest returning players team in the country and they have played in and handled adversity admirably... Only 1 Sr on UNM and 4 Top 100 recruits coming in Next year!