GAME-RELATED STATISTICS THAT DISCRIMINATED WINNING AND LOSING TEAMS IN NLB LEAGUE

The purposes of this study were (I) to examine which game-related statistics can serve to discriminate between winning and losing teams according to final game outcome in NLB League basketball, and (II) to determine the differences in game-related statistics for teams who play in the NLB League and EuroLeague when they win and lose in two competitions. The game-related statistics that were analyzed are 2- and 3-point field-goals (both successful and unsuccessful), free-throws (both successful and unsuccessful), defensive and offensive rebounds, assists, turnovers, steals, blocks made, blocks received, fouls committed and fouls received. Results of the discriminant analysis showed that winning teams differ from losing teams in assists (SC=0.417), defensive rebounds (SC=0.399) and in successful 2-point (SC=0.355) and 3-point field goals (SC=0.325). In balanced games winning differ from losing teams in defensive rebounds (SC=0.388), successful 2-point field goals (SC=0.343) and blocks committed (SC=0.303), and in unbalanced games winners were better in assists (SC=0.434), defensive rebounds (SC=0.304) and successful 3-point field goals (SC=0.353). When the  teams Partizan, Olimpija and Cibona played in the NLB League, the difference between wins and losses was in assists (SC=0.395), successful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.371) and defensive rebounds (SC=0.326). When they played in the EuroLeague, the difference was only in unsuccessful 2-point field goal attempts (SC=0.414) and blocks received (SC=0.318). Data obtained in this study may be useful for coaches in preparing their teams and analyzing opponents during preparations for competitions.