South Dakota State Basketball: 3 keys to upsetting Providence in Round of 64
3. Be strong on the defensive glass
The final key to a South Dakota State upset over Providence in the first round will be the Jackrabbits’ ability to crash the defensive glass. Providence has a slight advantage when it comes to the glass and especially on the offensive end where they snatch 10.5 offensive rebounds per game which leads to their rank of 20th in the country in second-chance conversion rate. It will be very important for the Jackrabbits to try and limit Providence to one shot for as many possessions as possible.
The Jackrabbits crash the glass as a group with four players having grabbed over 100 defensive rebounds so far this season, led by Scheierman who grabbed 7.8 boards per game and 247 defensive boards on the season.
That gang mentality has given South Dakota State the 46th best team when it comes to their opponents’ offensive rebounding percentage at just 24%. They are going to need Douglas Wilson and guards Charlie Easley and Alex Arians to be extra aggressive on the boards.
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If South Dakota State can battle on the glass limiting Providence’s second-chance opportunities which will help improve their ability to be efficient on the offensive end, they will be looking good when it comes to pulling the first-round upset.