Clemson Basketball: How the Tigers can upset Kansas

Limit second chance opportunities

Rebounding is such an important part of any basketball game, but especially this one. Kansas is a dominant team on the glass, led by sophomore center Udoka Azubuike. In the Jayhawks’ second-round matchup last Saturday, they totaled nine offensive rebounds which led to second-chance points that were critical in allowing them to hold on to a four-point victory over a feisty Seton Hall squad.

With Kansas, even the guards can get in the middle and do solid work on the offensive boards. It is part of the team’s identity to create as many opportunities offensively as they can.

While intimidating, this opens up a chance for Clemson to neutralize a strength the Jayhawks have. The Tigers are strong on the glass and have figured out what it takes to rebound in tournament games as of late. Against Auburn, they outrebounded the Tigers 41-25. They must stay competitive in this category to compete with Kansas.

With every possession for the Jayhawks in which they get more than one look at the basket, Clemson’s chances to win this game diminish. Kansas is too strong and too deep, especially shooting the basketball, and Clemson must find some way to get them out of their comfort zone and open up opportunities of their own.