Even in a conference as strong as the Big 12, nineteen wins most likely leaves you on the bottom side of the bubble in terms of an NCAA Tournament berth. Twenty wins going into the conference tournament, though, puts you in a good position and Oklahoma’s best shot at getting that 20th win is tonight’s home finale against Cincinnati.
Oklahoma vs. Cincinnati
Date: Wednesday, March 5
Tip Time: 7:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN+
Location: Lloyd Noble Center
The Sooners are currently 5.5-point favorites over the Bearcats, but have lost two straight games since sweeping Bedlam. Breaking that slump may hinge largely on these three Keys.
Production From The Bench
It seems to be feast or famine for Oklahoma in regards to the play they get from the bench. In Saturday’s near upset of #1 Houston, the Sooner bench contributed 20 points. Head coach Porter Moser only went three players deep into his bench, and the result was a near upset. Now, with March Madness on the line, they’ve got to continue with that production.
OU produced 28 points on January 20th when the Sooners defeated Cincinnati 69-65 on the road.
Find A Way To Make Noise Inside The Paint
John Hugley scored 11 points, and Jalon Moore pulled down 10 boards in that first meeting with Cincinnati. Hugley isn’t available, but Moore is. The spotlight is going to be on senior Sam Godwin to see if he can produce under the basket in the same way Hugley was able to.
Get To The Free Throw Line & Take Advantage Of It
I know that I sound like a broken record here because I use this key a lot. A team as athletic as Oklahoma should be making a living at the charity stripe.
The Sooners are averaging just under 21 free throw attempts per game and are converting on an average of 15 attempts per game.
Javian McCollum has attempted 87 free throws this season and made 82 of them.
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