The Xavier Musketeers have spent the last couple of seasons being one of the best rebounding teams in college basketball. Whether extending possessions on their own end or ending them on the other, it’s been difficult to get on the glass around the Musketeers. Last season, Xavier ranked 31st in offensive rebounding rate and 37th in defensive rebounding rate. During Coach Mack’s tenure at X, the Musketeers have averaged 47th in the nation in defensive rebounding. This year, though, that’s not the case.
First, a disclaimer. Yes, this is nitpicking about a team that currently sits at 9-1, is ranked in the top 10 in both human polls, and sits 11th in Ken Pomeroy’s rankings.