Busting Brackets
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Providence Basketball: 3 keys for Friars to upset Kansas in Sweet 16 matchup

By Connor Wilson

Mar 19, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; Providence Friars forward Justin Minaya (15) celebrates beating the Richmond Spiders during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2022; Buffalo, NY, USA; Providence Friars forward Justin Minaya (15) celebrates beating the Richmond Spiders during the second round of the 2022 NCAA Tournament at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Providence Basketball guard A.J. Reeves Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Providence Basketball guard A.J. Reeves Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleaning the Glass

One thing that Kansas does is rebound the basketball very well, as they are Top 40 in the country in rebound margin, grabbing an average of five more boards than their opponent per game. The Jayhawks also have three players averaging at least 6 RPG, those three being Jalen Wilson (7.2), David McCormack (7.1), and Christian Braun (6.4). The Friars only have one player over 6 RPG, Noah Horchler at 8.5 RPG.

Since Kansas is such a good rebounding team, it will be important for the Providence big men such as Nate Watson and Ed Croswell to step it up both on the offensive and defensive glass. The Jayhawks are a team that likes to get out in transition, so limiting those opportunities is crucial for the success of the Friars. This is something that they have improved on so far during the tournament, outrebounding their opponents by an average of 10 RPG in the two games.

Another player that the Friars have to keep off the boards is Agbaji and for good reasons. In games where he grabbed at least seven rebounds this season, Kansas is 12-1 and in games he doesn’t, they are 17-5. Both records are exceptional, but it would be in the Friars’ best interest to limit him.

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