W. Hoops: Is the Best Offense a Good Defense?

After finally snapping a six year drought against Big 5 opponents in Wenesday's game against La Salle, one thing is clear about Penn women’s basketball: this is certainly a different team than last year.

Though some may think that improving on a dismal 2-26 season is hardly anything to boast about, the team is doing more than just improving their record. They are making fundamental changes especially in the face of a string of tough opponents, including reigning Ivy League champions Princeton and ACC powerhouse Virginia.

The women lead the Ivy League in scoring defense. Compared to the struggle they had last year, which included a -3.7 rebounding margin and an average of 60.9 points per game by their opponent, this season the Quakers boast a +3.1 rebounding percentage as well as allowing only 53.6 points per game – putting them 27^th in the nation.

Though these may seem like minor feats, it is precisely these defensive achievements that kept Penn alive in yesterday’s win against La Salle. Though La Salle (5-13) was probably the most beatable Big 5 opponent, Penn finally effectively used their defensive skills to bewilder the Explorers and make up for their fumbles offensively (which included a season-high 25 turnovers).

McLaughlin’s aggressive defensive strategy was evident in Penn's game against Villanova as well, where though they fell to a 57-52 loss, the Quakers played strong defense against a hot shooting Nova team. Penn’s active defense which included switching from plays with full court press to zone defense forced the Wildcats to throw threes (Nova took 26 shots from behind the arc compared to Penn’s 8).

In Penn's game against Princeton, the Quakers showed that they have the ability to hang with the best in the league. They ended the first half tied with the reigning champs, keeping the Tigers to their lowest scoring first half of the season with 20 points, before ultimately falling to a close nine-point defeat.

In order for these defensive strides to really make a difference this year, the Quakers need to focus on scoring – and early. Penn tends to get behind big deficits early in the first half, usually mounting an impressive push for a comeback but ultimately falling short, unable to make up for their early mishaps (see their games against Army and Virginia). Though the Preseason Media Poll predicted another last place finish for Penn, the Quakers improved defense bodes well for a more competitive Ivy season.