Buffalo Basketball: Keys to success at home against Toledo

2. Dominate the glass

Dominating the glass will be key for Buffalo winning this game. Buffalo is 127th in the country in rebound margin, outrebounding their opponents by an average of just 2.7 rebounds. On the other hand, Toledo is a top-30 team in the nation in terms of rebounding margin, outrebounding their opponents by 7.2 per game. Toledo dominates the glass and Buffalo needs to match them there, limiting second-chance points on the defensive end and earning second-chance points on the offensive end.

When Toledo faces a team that can go toe-to-toe with them on the glass, it shows their vulnerability. A common denominator in both of Toledo’s losses this season is them getting outrebounded. In their first loss against Wright State, they lost the battle on the boards 47-28 and in their most recent loss against Ball State, they lost it 40-39.

Buffalo’s biggest concern will be with Willie Jackson, Toledo’s 6-foot-6 junior forward. Jackson is currently averaging 10.7 rebounds per game, which ranks 10th in the nation. Luke Knapke is also averaging 6.4 rebounds and almost two offensive rebounds per game. Buffalo will need to contain Jackson and Knapke around the hoop and limit their contribution on the glass.