Free throws. Period.

[32eekortS]

Poor shooting from the field (including 3’s), being out rebounded, suspect officiating, missing multiple players due to COVID...none of that decided the outcome.

The team lost because they couldn’t make free throws. They took 37 (5 more than Arizona) and missed almost half of them (18). It’s inexcusable and it cost the team a game that may turn out to be very important.

If the team makes 5 more free throws, they win the game. Shooting 24-37 isn’t great (.649%) and not too much to expect. Arizona shot 32 free throws and made 25 of them (.781%). They shot 5 fewer, made 6 more and won a close, double-overtime game.

Signs of a young team, but they need to get better. If it’s a conditioning issue, they need to get in better shape. Arizona had no problems. It’s probably a mental issue, a lot of freshmen out there. They need to get over it. High school kids make free throws.

 

[Observer11]

Can't win close games shooting less than 70% at the line. Just can't.

Might be able to hide one hack-a-Shaq free throw shooter - but when your starting guards go 4 for 11 from the line, that's a problem.

Free throws are muscle memory - and that's it. They either aren't shooting enough daily or, if they are, there are mechanical issues that need fixed.

Call Ron Adams in Spokane and he'll clean it up for a couple hundred bucks.

 

[32eekortS]

Can't win close games shooting less than 70% at the line. Just can't.

Might be able to hide one hack-a-Shaq free throw shooter - but when your starting guards go 4 for 11 from the line, that's a problem.

Free throws are muscle memory - and that's it. They either aren't shooting enough daily or, if they are, there are mechanical issues that need fixed.

Call Ron Adams in Spokane and he'll clean it up for a couple hundred bucks.

I do think that fatigue can negatively impact free throws, but it’s a poor excuse to miss an easy shot. IMO, nerves have more of an impact and playing a lot of Freshman doesn’t help in this regard. They’re Pac-12 players now, time to get over it.

An underrated factor is the general lack of midrange shooting these days (at all levels). Players are either taking long distance 3’s or taking it to the basket. Nobody’s shooting 15-foot jumpers.

 

[COUGinNCW]

Williams actually has a pretty decent mid range game. He also shoots free throws well normally. He did play 43 minutes so I’m sure that was a factor but I’ll bet he’s not using that as an excuse. He’s probably practicing his FTs as a type this.

 

[COCoug]

Free throws don't actually correlate that well with mid-range shooting. Its a different skill. Missing (and making) is strangely contagious on a team, and when we started to miss, you knew it was going to get ugly. I do think they need a coach to look at a couple of players form and routine from the line. They just don't look good shooting them, and a lot of the misses were pretty bad.

 

[Observer11]

Mid range jumpers have nothing to do with it. When was the last guy you saw taking a jump shot while both teams were lined up for a free throw?

It's all muscle memory and repetition. It's boring as hell to shoot 100 free throws a day every single day of the year.

It's also the difference between winning 4 point games and losing them.

 

[32eekortS]

As a former basketball player, you’re all full of it. Yes, mid range jump shooting and free throw shooting are similar skill sets. There’s a reason why you hear people talking about if your jump shot is off, find your shooting rhythm by drawing fouls and getting to the line.

 

[Glad Cougar]

If the team makes 5 more free throws, they win the game.

If they make 1 more free throw in regulation or in the first OT, they win the game.
For decades, I've muttered the same phrase over and over in a tight game in which WSU is leading: "Make your free throws, win a game."

Glad Cougar