With one matchup already in the books, Oklahoma (13-6, 3-3) and Kansas State (8-11, 1-5) square off for the second and last time during the regular season.
To open Big 12 play, the Sooners came away with a 66-61 win with Austin Reaves and Kristian Doolittle combining for 40 points. This Sooners squad has changed a lot since the last time these two teams faced off on Jan. 4th. Oklahoma has taken both then No. 6 Kansas and No. 1 Baylor to the wire. The Sooners are better than their record indicates but make no mistake they still have some ways to go to ensure they make the NCAA Tournament.
The road to March continues tonight as Oklahoma heads up to the Little Apple to take on Lon Kruger’s alma mater.
INVOLVE DOO
While Kansas State is still a very respectable opponent, Kruger can get away with force-feeding certain players without making much adjustment and still leaving town with a win. He should do just that and feed Kristian Doolittle to get him back into the groove of the offense. Doolittle has been quiet offensively as of late. Still a top-10 scorer in the Big 12, Doolittle has been held to just eight points in each of the last two games.
INTENSE DEFENSE
The Sooners have played exquisite defense over the four games, holding their opponents to 66 points or less. The intensity on defense can be seen in practice and has paid dividends for Oklahoma as they have been in games against opponents they had no chance with on paper. No reason the Sooners should not hold the Wildcats to under 70 tonight.
LET ‘EM ROLE
With the emergence of Kur Kuath and Alondes Williams over the past month, Kruger has some options when it comes to who comes off the bench and when. Jalen Hill has also held his own in his minutes off the bench as a true freshman. Using role players in a game like this can pay off big time when it matters most.
Oklahoma and Kansas State are set to tip-off at 7p.m. CT on ESPN+. For more broadcast details, click here.
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