Introduction
One of the March Madness darlings from last season, Princeton looks to build on their Sweet 16 run from last season. They have a near flawless win percentage this season and could potentially have a better seeding in the tournament. Their run last year on top of their elite offense this season are signs this team could be primed for another deep March Madness run this season.
Strengths
Free Throws
Princeton is money from the charity shape this season, averaging close to eighty percent of their free throw line. They not only lead the Ivy League in this category, but they are third in all of division one behind Virginia Tech and Villanova. Despite their success, they do not get to the free throw line that much but that might be more due to their style of offense which is known more for being more slower pace.
Protecting the Ball
Princeton is a team who is good at protecting the ball. In an offense where every possession matters, protecting the ball is important and they turned the ball over just under thirteen times a game (third fewest in all of D-1) while being stripped just over five times a game, both marks the lowest in the Ivy League. Their ability to protect the ball will be a huge key to them making it far in March Madness.
Well Disciplined Team
Princeton is a team who does not commit a whole lot of fouls, averaging around thirteen a game (third fewest in D-1) while only allowing around thirteen free throw attempts per night (fifth fewest in D-1), leading the Ivy League in both statistics. Their ability to play clean defense and protect the ball have also led to Princeton being in the top fifteen in fewest points allowed in D-1 (63.2). This team does not make a lot of errors on the court.
Weaknesses
Weak Schedule
Much like most other Mid-Major schools, Princeton has not faced the highest quality opponents. They have the 215th ranked strength of schedule, and the 164th ranked nonconference schedule. This is not bad for a mid-major school, but that is still not at the level of the big power conferences. That might not matter too much for Princeton considering their Sweet 16 run last season.
Drawing Fouls
While Princeton is good at limiting fouls against them, they might be as good as drawing them. They only draw fifteen and a half fouls per game, the third fewest in Division I. This has a direct effect on their trips to the free throw line averaging just above fourteen and a half attempts per night, which is the fewest in the Ivy League and bottom twenty in all of Division I. This nerfs arguably their greatest strength in free throw due to their inability to get to the line, which will be a problem in March Madness.
Rebounding
Princeton’s rebounding is a huge flaw in their game, averaging below thirty-five total per game and under ten offensive rebounds per night, which is second and third worst in the Ivy League. While that might be because of their playstyle, their lack of getting second chance buckets while be an issue especially against big conference teams like Purdue, Houston, and Arizona.
Princeton’s ceiling
I could see Princeton going back to Sweet 16 this season or being making an elite eight run depending on who they face. They shown they can compete against the top teams last season and Princeton’s ability capitalize on their opportunities and limit chances for the other team while be key to them making a deep run this season.
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