Oklahoma (9-3) and Kansas State (7-5) face-off to kickoff Big 12 play on Saturday. The two clubs have been voted No. 8 and No. 9 in the Big 12 pre-season poll, giving both teams plenty of fuel to add to their respective fire.
Here are three keys for the Sooners as they open up conference play.
CONSTANT MOTION
The Sooners need to keep the ball in motion around the court to keep the Wildcats on their toes. Against UT-Rio Grande Valley, Oklahoma moved the ball efficiently for a season-high 21 assists as a team. If the Sooners can swing the ball around the arc, good shots are bound to make themselves appear.
ROLE PLAY
Oklahoma needs more than three guys to play well not just to beat Kansas State, but to beat anyone in the Big 12. Starters De’Vion Harmon and Jamal Bieniemy need to realize their role just as much as guys like Kur Kuath and Alondes Williams. Either make shots or get out of the way of someone who will. With Kristian Doolittle, Austin Reaves and Brady Manek all in the top-10 of Big 12 scorers, everyone else needs to buy into their role.
PLAY CLEAN
Yes, both teams were predicted towards the bottom of the conference but the Sooners have more talent. If Oklahoma can keep the Wildcats off the foul line and force misses from the three-point line, the Sooners should be in good shape come the final four minutes.
The Sooners tip-off against Kansas State at 12:00p.m. CT on ESPN+.
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