Oklahoma (14-8, 4-5) and No. 13 West Virginia (18-4, 6-3) face off in a crucial Big 12 matchup.
The Sooners last won exactly one week ago, laying the wood against Oklahoma State 82-69 in the first Bedlam matchup of the season. On Tuesday, Oklahoma fought for 35-minutes, coming up short in the final five minutes of the game against Texas Tech on the road.
To get back on track, here is what the Sooners have to do.
FIND DOO
Once again Kristian Doolittle is M.I.A. offensively. Averaging nearly 18 points a game a month ago, Doolittle has slipped down to just 14.1 points per game. Granted, Brady Manek has been a walking heat check and the emergence of Alondes Williams has led to fewer shots for Doolittle, but still, Doo has to be a part of the offense for Oklahoma to have a chance against ranked opponents.
STAY HOT
Not so much in their game against Texas Tech, but the Sooners showed they can shoot against Oklahoma State. If they want to keep the Mountaineers sweating for all 40 minutes, Oklahoma needs to get hot early and stay consistent from the field throughout the game. Having lulls not only kills momentum but it has shown it can affect the Sooners’ defensive efforts as well.
CHANGE UP
Defensively, Oklahoma has done a relatively good job with a few exceptions. West Virginia is going to test the Sooners’ defense as head coach Bob Huggins loves to give different looks throughout the game. Lon Kruger is going to have to be just as creative in changing from man to zone frequently to try and slow down the Mountaineers’ attack.
Oklahoma and West Virginia are set to tip-off at 1p.m. CT on ESPNU. For more broadcast details, click here.
