Keep Utah State off the offensive glass
Utah State ranks second in Division-I schools in rebounding margin per game averaging 10 more rebounds per game than opposing teams. The Aggies average 41 rebounds per game with 13 of those on the offensive end of the floor. Second chance points can absolutely be a difference-maker in a close Tournament game and Texas Tech needs to have five players rebounding on every Utah State shot that goes up.
The core of Utah State’s rebounding prowess is 7’0″, 245 pound junior center Neemias Queta who bullies opposing centers in the paint. Along with leading the Aggies in rebounds per game at 10, he is also the team’s leading scorer averaging 15.1 points per game.
Keeping Queta off the offensive boards will be a tough task for Texas Tech’s Marcus Santos-Silva. Silva matches Queta in the weight department, however, he is five inches shorter. This presents a major problem for the Red Raiders, hence the prior emphasis on a full-on team approach to rebounding in this first-round matchup. Preventing Queta and the Aggies from second-chance points may require multiple Texas Tech players boxing out the opposing big man.
Texas Tech head coach Chris Beard should make sure his gameplan stresses more defensive effort as opposed to offensive scoring. The Red Raiders can light up the scoreboard, especially if McClung gets hot, but I am convinced this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor. If Beard can get his team to cut the Aggies +10 rebounding margin to closer to 5 or less, they will most likely avoid a first-round upset and quick Tournament exit.