For 60 minutes last weekend, the Maroons’ efforts at raising their shooting percentage paid off.
In the first half against the Brandeis Judges on Friday, Chicago shot 46.9 percent from the field. Against NYU, the Maroons shot 48.4 percent.
But in the second half against the Judges, the Maroons’ shooting looked similar to that in their game against Emory—the game that prompted them to improve in the first place. They shot just 23.1 percent in the second half of Friday night’s contest, and the Maroons’ average leading scorer, second-year guard Alex Pyper, was held to just one point in the game.
“I don’t know [what led to the rough second half shooting],” Maroons head coach Mike McGrath said. “I thought Brandeis played very well defensively. I thought we got some very, very good looks that we just didn’t knock in.”
The shooting difficulties allowed the Judges to come from behind and win 59–55. Chicago rebounded to beat NYU 77–58 on Sunday.
The Maroons controlled most aspects of Sunday’s game. Aside from the high shooting percentage, Chicago out-rebounded the Violets 13–1 on the offensive end. The Maroons also had four turnovers compared to NYU’s seven.
“If you’re doing those two things, if you’re knocking down some shots, you’re in a pretty good place,” McGrath said.
And Chicago looks to continue its offensive dominance. This Friday, the Maroons travel to Cleveland to face Case Western. Although the Spartans have struggled in UAA action, McGrath said that they have the ability to rise up at any time.
“Case has very good size, very good talent,” McGrath said. “I think they’re just struggling with some chemistry issues a little bit, just trying to put it together which isn’t easy.”
While McGrath has not scouted Carnegie Mellon in depth yet, he said he has a feeling of what is to come.
“They can definitely beat you at any time,” McGrath said.
The Maroons have struggled away from home this season. They lost both of the UAA games they have played on the road and are 1–4 in away games overall.
“[It] usually has more to do with the teams than the place,” McGrath said. “We’ve played some very good teams on the road, but there’s a subtle little comfort level [that’s different]. I feel like moving into this weekend, we’re eager to get a couple on the road here.”
Chicago tips off against Case tonight at 7 p.m. CST and Carnegie at 11 a.m. CST.
