Tigers look to rebound, literally
"We have to play more physical and contain our box outs more," coach Bob Thomason said. "We don't have a lot of high jumpers and bulk, so have to have to do it with technique and do it as a team. Our technique will get better and that should eliminate 3-4 offensive rebounds per game."
Sophomore center Khalil Kelley (6-foot-8) admits Pacific's lack of size has been a detriment and agrees with his coach's assessment of how to improve, but he also has another solution.
"It was frustrating having (the Broncos) jump over us and get all those boards," said Kelley, who averages 5.9 rebounds to lead the team. "It falls on us. We have to assert ourselves down there. We work on it every day. We do our drills, but in the games, you just have to want the ball more, you can go get it. Having a good technique is nice, but it's about will. To be a great rebounding team, you just have to want the ball more."
Junior forward Travis Fulton (6-foot-6) starts the game mostly because of his abilities as a shooter and facilitator on offense, but said the early season has taught the entire team the importance of rebounding.