Cardinals struggle defensive rebounding
Despite a victory that saw Louisville men’s basketball make its first 11 shots and lead for entirety of the game against Youngstown State, Cardinal head coach Chris Mack was disappointed. Louisville allowed 19 offensive rebounds in its home opener at the KFC Yum! Center Nov. 10 that ended with a 78-55 win.
“That’s way too many offensive rebounds to give up,” Mack said. “We pride our program’s ability to not give up second shots.”
Youngstown State had 25 second-chance points on offensive rebounds. Naz Bohannon had a team-high seven offensive rebounds that helped him lead the Penguins in scoring with 14 points.
Mack thinks defensive rebounding begins with guarding opponents.
“It starts with being able to contain the ball and dribble penetration, so defensive rebounders are in solid position to block their man out and secure the ball,” Mack said.
Youngstown State head coach Jerrod Calhoun stresses toughness with his team, so offensive rebounding is always a focus.
“It’s something we work on every day,” Calhoun said. “We really emphasize it. I believe that you are what you emphasize. We’ve done a good job of that over the years. Just trying to come into these high major games and not back down.”
Calhoun called Bohannan relentless, but other Penguins rebounded the offensive glass too. Jamir Thomas had five offensive rebounds while Garrett Covington brought down three.
Steven Enoch had a team-high 14 rebounds for Louisville on his way to his second straight double-double, he finished with 17 points.
Louisville hosts Indiana State Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
