Miami hasn’t been a team that consistently dominates opponents on the glass this season. It hasn’t really been their identity, even though Jai Lucas wants it to be, at least not night to night. But Saturday afternoon shows a real opportunity for that to change when the Hurricanes take on the California Golden Bears.
Cal has struggled on the boards all season. By comparison, the Golden Bears rank second-to-last in the ACC and are tied for 244th nationally in rebounding margin. It’s been a lingering issue for the Mark Madsen's Golden Bears' squad, and one Miami is well-positioned to get better at.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, sit as a top-10 team nationally in rebounding margin. Ernest Udeh Jr. leads the way, averaging 10 rebounds per game.. Cal’s leading rebounder, Lee Dort, averages 7.7 boards per game.
Cal ranks 337th in offensive rebounding, while Miami ranks 49th in defensive rebounding. On the other end, the Golden Bears sit 81st in defensive rebounding, with the Hurricanes also ranking No. 81 in offensive rebounding.
Miami doesn’t need to become a rebounding juggernaut overnight, but against the Golden Bears, the Hurricanes have a legitimate chance to control the glass and turn it into a decisive advantage.
This is where Miami can win the game. Not with anything fancy. Just by dominating on the glass. Cal has struggled there all year, and Miami has the bodies to take advantage in Ernest Udeh Jr., and Malik Reneau. If the crash the glass every time, they can control the pace, limit second chances, and put pressure on Cal early.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be consistent. If Miami does that, the win is there.
Cal has struggled on the boards all season. By comparison, the Golden Bears rank second-to-last in the ACC and are tied for 244th nationally in rebounding margin. It’s been a lingering issue for the Mark Madsen's Golden Bears' squad, and one Miami is well-positioned to get better at.
The Hurricanes, meanwhile, sit as a top-10 team nationally in rebounding margin. Ernest Udeh Jr. leads the way, averaging 10 rebounds per game.. Cal’s leading rebounder, Lee Dort, averages 7.7 boards per game.
Cal ranks 337th in offensive rebounding, while Miami ranks 49th in defensive rebounding. On the other end, the Golden Bears sit 81st in defensive rebounding, with the Hurricanes also ranking No. 81 in offensive rebounding.
Miami doesn’t need to become a rebounding juggernaut overnight, but against the Golden Bears, the Hurricanes have a legitimate chance to control the glass and turn it into a decisive advantage.
This is where Miami can win the game. Not with anything fancy. Just by dominating on the glass. Cal has struggled there all year, and Miami has the bodies to take advantage in Ernest Udeh Jr., and Malik Reneau. If the crash the glass every time, they can control the pace, limit second chances, and put pressure on Cal early.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be consistent. If Miami does that, the win is there.
