In my work at College Chalktalk and Hoopville (among others) often the use of tempo free analysis is employed. It is a part of the game I have studied for quite a few years. At any rate, a review of the Scarlet Knights is in order...

A look at Rutgers tempo free numbers with Notre Dame set to invade the RAC for a Monday night meeting. The last time out saw these numbers in the 84-60 debacle in Morgantown. The efficiency is points per possession multiplied by 100.

Rutgers got into a very fast paced game and struggled on both the offensive and defensive ends. Not a performance to savor following the impressive 62-39 road win in Pittsburgh.

The 62 possessions is more the grind it out pace the Panthers get you involved in. Offense was good on the Rutgers side. Defense was superlative. Off the charts ! The type Jamie Dixon's teams historically have put on their opponents, not the other way around.

The numbers through five conference games see the Scarlet Knights at 2-3 in conference play. The pace is moderate to brisk but not all out transition. The offensive efficiency, a little below average while the defensive side is average but could use improvement. The efficiency margin offense minus defense) is a -5. Teams on the minus side often wind up below .500 in their respective conferences. Obviously both ends of the floor could use a degree of improvement.