Looking back at last year’s head-to-head record, the Stallions and their rivals were locked in a dead heat—one win apiece, both games decided by razor-thin margins. That 1-1 split tells a story, but not the whole story. As someone who’s spent years analyzing game film and breaking down team dynamics, I’ve come to admire how the Stallions transformed those tight contests into a blueprint for dominance. They didn’t just get lucky. They built a system. And from where I stand, their success boils down to five core strategies that aren’t just effective—they’re reshaping how the game is played at this level.

Let’s start with pace control, something I believe is wildly underrated in today’s run-and-gun era. The Stallions don’t just play fast or slow—they dictate tempo based on matchup and moment. In that second matchup last year, for instance, they slowed the game to a crawl in the final quarter, limiting their opponents to just 12 field goal attempts. That’s not an accident. It’s intentional. I’ve tracked their possession length across multiple games, and they average around 18 seconds per offensive set when protecting a lead—far above the league average of 14. By controlling the clock, they force teams to play at their rhythm, and honestly, it’s a thing of beauty to watch.

Then there’s their defensive switching scheme. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Switching everything can leave you vulnerable against sharp-shooting lineups, but the Stallions execute with near-perfect communication. Their players aren’t just athletes—they’re students of the game. During timeouts, you’ll see them huddled up, pointing, adjusting. In my view, that level of engagement is what separates good teams from great ones. They held their opponents under 42% shooting from the field in both of last year’s matchups, and if you ask me, that’s directly tied to their ability to switch seamlessly without losing intensity.

Offensively, they leverage what I like to call “spacing with purpose.” It’s not just about standing in the corners. Every player has a defined role, and the floor is stretched to create driving lanes and high-percentage shots. I remember watching their point guard drive and kick out for three in the first head-to-game—they hit 14 threes at a 41% clip that night. Those numbers aren’t just impressive; they’re a product of design. The coaching staff has clearly drilled into them the importance of positioning, and as a result, they generate open looks even against set defenses.

Another strategy that stands out—and this is something I feel strongly about—is their emphasis on second-chance points. The Stallions crash the boards with a kind of controlled aggression you don’t see often. They pulled down 16 offensive rebounds in their win last year, leading to 22 second-chance points. That’s massive. In close games, those extra possessions are often the difference, and the Stallions treat every missed shot as an opportunity. From my perspective, their commitment to rebounding is as much about mindset as it is about skill.

Lastly, let’s talk about leadership on the floor. I’ve always believed that the best teams have a vocal leader who holds others accountable, and the Stallions’ captain embodies that. He’s not the leading scorer, but his impact is everywhere—directing traffic, calling out plays, keeping energy high during tough stretches. In that 1-1 series last year, his plus-minus was a staggering +18 in the game they won. Stats like that reinforce what I’ve long suspected: intangibles matter, and this team has them in spades.

So where does that leave us? The Stallions aren’t dominating by accident. They’ve built their success on a foundation of tempo, defense, spacing, effort, and leadership. Those two games from last year—each decided by fewer than 5 points—show how small adjustments lead to big results. As the team continues to refine these strategies, I’m convinced we’re watching a squad that’s not just winning games, but changing how basketball can be played when system and will combine. And honestly? I can’t wait to see what they do next.