We're better defensively. Actually, we're a lot better defensively, but the lack of transition (Denis) has hurt us badly by severely limiting the amount of easy transition buckets. The block numbers may be down slightly, but as you said, the opponent FTrate is down, and contrary to popular goEMAW belief fouling is bad. Frank has said so himself and he would prefer us to play aggressive defense without fouling.
We definitely need to get to the line more, especially with the right players, but as our team learns to play together and becomes smoother on offense I think we will get to the line more often. I was whining on Saturday at how nothing looks easy on offense for the Cats. I've probably been saying the same thing every year. And at this point in the season it is true, but every year we seem to progress offensively, thus getting more easy looks and foul opportunities. Teams don't miss shots because they are bad shooters(to an extent), everyone in NCAA basketball can shoot if they are open and have easy looks. Teams that shoot a percentage that is similar to the amount of easy looks and open shots their offense generates.