5. Sananda Fru
The big man for the Cardinals is going to have his hands full all game. Fru’s defensive abilities will be tested on Tuesday as he will have to try to contain Boozer and Patrick Ngongba II from getting to the basket at will. If anyone can do it, it’s Fru as the Junior is averaging 1.4 blocks per game.
Fru will also have to do his best to secure rebounds for the Cardinals, as both of his matchups lead the Blue Devils in rebounding. To add on to his workload, the Cardinals will need him to keep up the efficient scoring he’s produced this season. Fru is averaging 11.1 points on 77.5% shooting. Fru will likely be asked to make up for Brown Jr.'s absence with more responsibility on the offensive side of the ball and will need to establish his own shot early without Brown Jr. facilitating him with the ball.
Fru will be tasked with a lot on the defensive end and will now need to produce even more on offesne, but it’s what is needed for the Cardinals to succeed. If he’s able to pull this off, the Cardinals could secure a win in their biggest game of the year.