Purdue vs. Notre Dame: Key questions at the 2018 Crossroads Classic

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 23: Carsen Edwards #3 of the Purdue Boilermakers reacts during the second half against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional at TD Garden on March 23, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MARCH 23: Haarms /

Who can control the glass?

From a personnel standpoint, it is clear that Purdue boasts a size advantage in this matchup. Most notably, 7-foot-3 big man Matt Haarms is an imposing figure in the frontcourt for the Boilermakers that can really collect rebounds due to his size. Additionally, the Boilermakers also trot out multiple other players with unique levels of height for their respective positions. In fact, head coach Matt Painter’s rotation features only two players under 6-foot-4 and one of them is superstar guard Carsen Edwards.

And while Notre Dame does boast some solid size, especially with Nate Laszewski (6-foot-10) and Juwan Durham (6-foot-11), they will have their hands full to keep up with Purdue on the glass. Thankfully, though, the Fighting Irish have been on par with the Boilermakers statistically so far on the glass this season. For reference, here is a peek at how both teams rank in the rebounding facet of the game:

Purdue’s off. rebounding (36.0%, 25th) vs. ND’s def. rebounding (71.6%, 152nd).
ND’s off. rebounding (33.1%, 66rd) vs. Purdue’s def. rebounding (73.5%, 90th)

Because of how effective both of these teams can be on the glass, rebounding should be a focal point in this game. Purdue definitely has a size advantage (+0.8 advantage in effective height for the Boilermakers) but Notre Dame can rebound with the best of them. Whoever can do the best job of limiting second-chance opportunities may come away victorious.

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