Oklahoma Basketball: Keys to Beating the Kansas Jayhawks

Jan 8, 2014; Norman, OK, USA; Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) handles the ball against Kansas Jayhawks guard Andrew Wiggins (22) during the second half at Lloyd Noble Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Tonight’s Big Monday match-up between the Sooners and Jayhawks could be a huge statement game for either team. Kansas can clinch another Big 12 regular season title tonight with a victory. For Oklahoma, it would obviously be the biggest team victory in quite some time and would undoubtedly gain them some respect with the rest of the country.

How are they going to do it, though?

• Kansas has only lost one home game this season. It came against the San Diego State Aztecs, coincidentally right before their trip to Norman. If OU wants to be added to that list, they’re going need to slow down KU’s offensive attack. Andrew Wiggins is a big target, but Joel Embiid and Wayne Seldon, Jr. are just as important. Oklahoma needs to have their best defensive performance of the season, if not, it’ll be very difficult for Oklahoma to pull off the upset.
• One thing the Aztecs did against Kansas was win the rebounding battle. Oklahoma has good size compared to the rest of the Big 12, but KU is an entirely different animal. Spangler, Bennett, and Clark are going to need big games against a sensational Kansas low-post game. Crashing the boards can not be emphasized enough.
• If OU wants to win, they can’t rely entirely on the starters. The bench has to be there to relieve the starting five. OU could come out really hot, but if the bench can’t find any production, it could be over by halftime if the Sooners dig a big enough hole.
• No fear, Sooners. Big Monday in Lawrence makes me very uneasy. About as uneasy as playing Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. However, this is a squad that had a shot at beating Kansas once. They came close to knocking off the (at the time) top-ranked Michigan State Spartans. Everything needs to come together tonight. Kansas is beatable. Texas and Kansas State boast wins against the Jayhawks. However, both losses were on the road for KU, so winning tonight would be monumental for Lon Kruger’s group.
• The prediction? I see Kansas winning this game 80-75. Oklahoma keeps it close, but Wiggins hits the dagger in the closing seconds. I hope to Barry Switzer I’m wrong, but it’s going to be a good one.