If Kentucky basketball rebounds like it did against Bucknell, it could be key vs. Duke
Aggressive on the boards, Kentucky basketball pulls away from Bucknell
Kentucky basketball shook off a slow start Saturday against Bucknell, eventually pulling away for a 71-52 victory thanks in large part to a dominant performance on the boards.
The Wildcats outrebounded the Bison 52-30, including a 22-10 advantage on the offensive glass. That led to a 16-7 edge in second-chance points, which proved to be the difference in the game.
Kentucky's rebounding has been a strength all season long
Kentucky came into the game ranked 11th in the country in rebounding margin, and the Wildcats have been one of the best teams in the nation at cleaning up the glass all season long.
In their first 10 games, Kentucky has outrebounded its opponents by an average of 10.5 rebounds per game. That includes a 21-rebound advantage in their season-opening win over Morehead State and a 14-rebound advantage in their win over Michigan State.
Rebounding will be key against Duke
Kentucky will need to continue to rebound the ball well in order to beat Duke on Tuesday night.
The Blue Devils are one of the best rebounding teams in the country, and they will be looking to exploit Kentucky's weakness on the glass. If Kentucky can win the rebounding battle, it will give them a great chance to pull off the upset.
Here are some of the key rebounders for Kentucky:
- Oscar Tshiebwe
- Jacob Toppin
- Daimion Collins
- Lance Ware
These players will need to step up and play big against Duke if Kentucky wants to win the game.
Conclusion
Kentucky basketball's rebounding has been a strength all season long, and it was a key factor in their win over Bucknell on Saturday.
The Wildcats will need to continue to rebound the ball well in order to beat Duke on Tuesday night. If they can win the rebounding battle, it will give them a great chance to pull off the upset.
