Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to get a statement win vs Memphis

Wichita State Basketball: 2019-20 keys to get statement win against Memphis

SAN DIEGO, CA - MARCH 16: The Wichita State Shockers mascot gestures in the second half against the Marshall Thundering Herd during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Viejas Arena on March 16, 2018 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

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HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – FEBRUARY 18: Gregg Marshall the head coach of the Witchita State Shockers (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Win the Rebounding Battle

The Memphis defense has been absolutely stellar this season. They are allowing the second-lowest percentage of made 2-point shots and the 24th lowest percentage of made 3s in the country. They are also allowing the 40th fewest points per game in the country. However, there is one area where Wichita State could be able to find an edge against the Memphis defense.

That area is the offensive glass. Defensive rebounding isn’t necessarily a weakness for Memphis, their 74.6% defensive rebounding percentage is 143rd in the country, but this is an area where the Shockers should be able to give their offense a boost.

Wichita State has been pretty dominant on the offensive glass this season, snagging 33.1% of all rebounds available to them. In this game, Wichita State will have a bit of a size advantage thanks to Jaime Echenique and Asbjorn Midtgaard and they have guards who hit the glass well. This should allow them to continue dominating the offensive glass as they have so far this year.

If Wichita State can win the rebounding battle, it will make Memphis have to scramble to reset their defense and hopefully lead to open looks. This could give Wichita State’s offense the kick-start they need to beat Memphis’ defense. Just ask Villanova how much the offensive glass helped them overcome their shooting woes against a tough Creighton defense on Tuesday night.