Louisville basketball: 3 bold predictions for Cards vs. Notre Dame
By Taron Long
Cards Dominate the Irish on the Glass
A key aspect in determining the winner of Saturday’s game will be who controls the boards. The Cards have been outrebounded in their losses to Texas Tech and Kentucky, and couldn’t buy a bucket from somebody not named Jordan Nwora against Florida State. Both Notre Dame and Louisville average about 40.3 rebounds per game; however, the Cards are better than Notre Dame statistically in:
Offensive Rebounding Percentage (UofL – 32.7 percent, ND – 26.9 percent)
Offensive Rebounds Per Game (UofL – 10.3, ND – 9.5)
Defensive Rebounds Per Game (UofL – 28.3, ND – 27.9)
Not to mention, the Cards boast a significant size-advantage in this matchup, as center John Mooney is listed at 6’9” on a good day; however, he leads all Division I players in rebounds per game at 13.6 RPG.
Considering he also leads the Irish in scoring at 15.8 PPG, he’s basically a walking double-double. Containing Mooney in the post and/or behind the arc, as well as keeping him off the glass, will be priority number one for Chris Mack.
“We have to make sure we keep him off the glass and we have to cover the pick-and-pop because he can spread the floor,” senior Steven Enoch said. “He can also score from all three levels.”
The Irish gave up 16 offensive rebounds in their last outing to NC State, who was only averaging 9.6 offensive rebounds per game. Guys like Steven Enoch, Malik Williams, and Jordan Nwora should have all have dig days on the boards and provide second-chance opportunities for the Cards. Louisville punished Miami in the rebounding department earlier this week, boasting a 48-37 advantage on the glass, so hopefully that energy and momentum carries over to Saturday.