The stage is set for the final chapter in the heated Big 12 rivalry between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas Longhorns. The two teams will face each other for the final time, in the regular season, before moving on to the S.E.C. for the 2024-25 season.
Oklahoma vs. Texas
Date: Saturday, March 9
Tip Time: 1:00 p.m.
TV: ESPN
Location: Moody Center
The Texas Momentum
- Texas rides a hot streak, having won six straight and seven of the last eight meetings against Oklahoma.
- They’ll look to complete their third consecutive regular-season series sweep of the Sooners.
- The Longhorns have won three of their last five games down the stretch.
- Abmas, now ranked 8th on the NCAA’s all-time scoring list, is a major offensive threat for the Longhorns.
Oklahoma Seeking Revenge on the Road:
The Sooners will be hungry to snap their losing skid against Texas, especially on their rival’s home court. As if they needed anymore motivation in this series, it’s also Senior Day for the Longhorns which provides opportunity for OU to spoil the occasion. Here’s what needs to take place in order for that to happen.
Respond to the hostile road environment
Oklahoma is 3-5 in road games this season, losing by an average score of 71-67. In a rivalry of this magnitude, in the final Big 12 regular season matchup between these two programs, on Senior Day the Sooners are going to have to ride out the storm that is for sure going to come from a wave of momentum that’s brought on by the crowd.
Successfully Run The Offense
Bothe of these teams can score! Can Oklahoma’s offense, averaging 75.4 points per game, keep pace with a slightly higher-scoring Texas team (76.0 points per game)? That’s the big question. These two are so close offensively that an off night for OU could quickly turn into a double-digit loss. Texas’ defense, allowing 67.7 points per game, and 70 points has kind of been the magic number for Oklahoma this season in terms of wins and losses.
Team Stats
| TEAM | PTS | PA | FG% | REB | AST | BLK | STL | STRK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OU | 75.4 | 67.7 | 46.4 | 35.6 | 13.4 | 3.4 | 5.8 | W1 |
| TEX | 76.0 | 69.3 | 47.1 | 35.0 | 15.8 | 4.6 | 7.1 | L1 |
Protect The Ball And Crash The Boards
Yup, I did a twofer once again for our final point. Oklahoma is likely going to need to win this game in shootout fashion. That means turnovers and rebounds are going to be huge! Texas has a slight advantage in the turnover department and OU has a small edge in rebounding. These two aspects of the game are probably going to be the difference makers.
Oklahoma Pulls The Upset If…
- If they can disrupt Texas’ offensive flow and minimize easy scoring opportunities.
- Dominate the boards will be crucial.
- Get balanced scoring
- Shut down Texas’ stars Max Abmas and Dillon Mitchell
- Keep their composure late in the game.
Texas Continues Its Dominance Of Oklahoma If…
- They are able to have efficient ball movement.
- Maintain defensive pressure throughout the game.
- Win the battle on the boards.
- Make free throws
- Maintain Composure
Prediction:
This is a rivalry game, so expect a close battle. Texas’ recent success and home-court advantage give them a slight edge. However, Oklahoma’s potential and motivation to break the losing streak shouldn’t be underestimated.
Final Score Prediction: Texas Longhorns 72, Oklahoma Sooners 68
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