Andy Kennedy deployed a new wrinkle with his defense in the Rebels victory over Western Kentucky on Monday.
With the Hilltoppers draining shot after shot early in the game – they started 7 of 8 on threes – Kennedy had to find an answer defensively, so he went to a 1-3-1 half court press.
This completely shut down Western Kentucky. Ole Miss used the 1-3-1 zone for 14 possessions in the first half and allowed just 5 points, which is an incredible .36 points per possessions. Western Kentucky had more turnovers, five, than made field goals, two, when Ole Miss was in the 1-3-1.
The Hilltoppers shot 20 percent from field. All of the missed shots and turnovers led to Ole Miss getting transition opportunities and easy baskets, (Ole Miss leads the SEC in transition efficiency.) including this deep three from Marshall Henderson.
The 1-3-1 was a new defense that Western Kentucky wasn’t ready for. They did adjust and found success against in the second half, scoring eight points on the five possessions Ole Miss used it.
But in the first half, Ole Miss did a good job of trapping the Hilltoppers and forcing quick decisions that led to poor shots and turnovers.
The Rebels looked to trap up high.
And in the corner.
Anthony Perez – and his 6-foot-9 height and wingspan – was at the head of the zone for the majority of the time. But when he checked out LaDarius White took over the top spot.
This could increase Perez’s usefulness to Kennedy, as his size is perfect for the top of the trap. He can also get some easier baskets to improve his offenses numbers. He did have a breakaway dunk against Western Kentucky.
Western Kentucky was able to pass over the top of the zone a few times, but they didn’t have the playmakers inside to finish with a score. And none of the starters for the Hilltoppers were taller than 6-foot-7.
When Ole Miss plays bigger teams, with more capable big men, it could be a key to beating the 1-3-1.
A few times Ole Miss fell back into a 2-3 zone after trapping and failing to get a steal. The problem this could present is the top man in the 1-3-1 has to get into position as one of the back line guys in the 2-3. Good recognition and ball movement could make Ole Miss pay for the switch in mid possession.
Andy Kennedy has mixed his defense up all season between man-to-man, 2-3 zone and a full court 2-2-1 press. Now he has another scheme to throw at teams and hide his team’s defensive weaknesses.
— Tyler Bischoff
tfbischo@go.olemiss.edu
