Oklahoma (12-6, 3-3) and Mississippi State (12-6, 3-3) square off against each other for conference pride.
With this year being the seventh edition of the Big 12/SEC Challenge the Big 12 holds a 10-game lead over the SEC, with a 35-25 record. The Sooners are 4-2 in Big12/SEC Challenge matchups, trailing only Baylor, who has a 5-1 record in the event, for the best record among Big 12 teams.
STOP SECOND-CHANCES
Oklahoma needs to get control of the defensive glass early and keep control throughout the game to keep the Bulldogs at bay. Mississippi State averages 13.6 offensive rebounds per game. The Sooners allowed No. 1 Baylor to haul in 18 offensive boards, giving the Bears second-chance points with high-percentage looks. Oklahoma needs to be physical and put bodies on bodies in the paint to keep the Bulldogs off the glass.
REVIVE REAVES
After a hot start to conference play, Austin Reaves has cooled down since the Kansas game. Combining for 26 points over the past three games, Reaves has caught a cold streak, not playing up to his season average 14.7 points per game. The Sooners should look to get him involved in the offense early, but not force his involvement.
MANEK-MANIA
Fresh off of a career-high 31-point game last Saturday and a 21-point outburst against the No. 1 team in the country, Brady Manek is on a scoring heater. Not only is he getting shots to fall, but Manek is playing complete games from baseline to baseline. Against Baylor, Manek hauled in 10 boards and had four steals while setting a new career-high with 31 points. His performance will strongly influence Oklahoma’s game today.
The Sooners and Bulldogs can be seen on ESPN2 at 1p.m. CT. FOr more information on how to catch the broadcast, click here.
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