Chocking vs. Winning

[proshox]

I tend to agree with KenPom:

http://kenpom.com/blog/index.php/weblog/entry/memphis_choked...or_did_they

Good teams consistently build a lead going into the final minutes of games. Bad teams do not. With that said, most good teams are not dominating enough to build significant leads in every game. In these "close games" I believe the outcome is more about luck than anything else that can be effectively measured.

Do you think there is more to it than luck? Do you think some teams have toughness, focus and character that allows them to win a majority of close wins?

If I was a coach, almost all strategies utilized would center around extending the lead so that I reduce the impact of chance....

[Kung Wu]

This is kind of like saying "if you want to be rich, just make more money".

[proshox]

This is kind of like saying "if you want to be rich, just make more money".

To some extent you are correct, but your comment is missing my intended point. Too many fans judge a team's performance based on the last two minutes of the game. I don't. I think the last two minutes of a game are almost irrelevant.

This year the shockers have played 9 close games. Their record is 5-4.

Is this team clutch based on the five wins, is this team incompetent based on the four losses, or is it none of the above? I choose none of the above. In close games they are just like any other team…

IMO, they are a very good team, because in most games they are able to establish a substantial lead before the end.

OPPONENT RESULT/TIME Close Win/Loss
Virginia Commonwealth 53-51 Yes W
Air Force 72-69 Yes W
Evansville 71-67 Yes L
#12 Creighton 67-64 Yes W
Northern Iowa 57-52 Yes L
Southern Illinois 64-62 Yes L
Illinois State 68-67 Yes W
Indiana State 66-62 Yes W
Evansville 59-56 Yes L

[GoShockers89]

We'll find out whether we are choke artists or champions in a few days.

[Shocker85]

Is it "Chocking" or "Chalking"???