Under Coach Kate Achter’s leadership, Detroit Mercy’s basketball program is experiencing a renaissance. With an 11-5 record, they’ve enjoyed one of the program’s best starts in over two decades and are undefeated at home (5-0). Their 7-4 non-conference record is the program’s best since 1991-92, showcasing their early-season resurgence.

Dominating the Boards:

One key to their success is their unwavering tenacity on the boards. They lead the Horizon League in five rebounding categories and have only been outrebounded once so far this season. Their two 50-plus rebound games speak volumes about their hustle. Overall, they grab a staggering 54.6% of rebounds (ranking #52 nationally) and average a commanding 40.1 per game. Senior Irene Murua leads the charge with 8.3 rebounds per game.

Defensive Stalwarts:

The Titans’ defensive prowess is equally impressive. They hold opponents to a low 37.9% field goal percentage and a 42.4% effective field goal percentage, both placing them in the top 25% nationally. In the half court, their stinginess shines even brighter, restricting opponents to just 46.7% at the rim (top 8% nationally).

Half-Court Magic and Late-Shot Clutch:

Offensively, the Titans excel in their half-court offense and late-shot clock situations. Their half-court offense averages a healthy 0.95 points per possession, placing them among the top half of college basketball teams. Notably, 95.8% of their three-point buckets in the half court come off assists, with a stellar 36% conversion rate on those assisted threes.

In the final eight seconds of the shot clock, their offense kicks into another gear, averaging a sizzling 0.99 points per possession (top 15% nationally). They light it up from three (42.9%) and dominate inside the paint (62.1%) during this crucial window.

Conversely, their defense tightens up in the last eight seconds of their opponent’s shot clock, holding them to a paltry 0.76 points per possession.

Next Up: A Battle for Second Place:

The Titans look to maintain their momentum as they travel to Cleveland to take on the 13-3 Vikings on Wednesday. This pivotal matchup will determine the sole occupant of second place in the Horizon League.

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