No.5 Kansas Takes on No.23 Oklahoma to Open Up Big 12 Conference Play
Will Cash
Posted On January 2
The No.5 Kansas Jayhawks (11-1) are in very good shape so far to open up conference play only losing to Arizona State,the Jayhawks are coming off a blowout win over Eastern Michigan. While the No.23 Oklahoma Sooners (11-1) are having a very good season in their own right only losing to Wisconsin and our coming off a 76-69 win over Northwestern.
Why Oklahoma Could Win:
This team does not do anything particular well besides rebounding. Oklahoma averages 43 rebounds and in their only loss to Wisconsin the Sooners were out rebounded. The Sooners must also watch their turnovers as in their only loss this season the Sooners turned the ball over 15 times. Oklahoma will have to try to limit Kansas’s offensive firepower as the Sooners so far this season have given up 66 points a game.
Why Kansas Could Win:
Kansas scores the ball extremely well averaging 81 points a game and should be able to score on a middle of the pack Oklahoma defense. The Jayhawks must also watch out for Oklahoma’s offense as the Sooners average 76 points a game. The Jayhawks must watch out for senior guard Christian Jones who has averaged 17 points and seven rebounds so far this season.
Players to Watch:
For Oklahoma they will need senior guard Christian James to continue his strong play. James has averaged 17.9 points, seven rebounds and two assists a game so far this season. If Oklahoma wants to win this game they need a huge game from James.
Udoka Azubuike will be playing his second game back since his injury and this should be able to give the Jayhawks a huge boost in production. As before the injury Azubuike averaged 14 points and six rebounds while shooting 69% from the field. Azubuike’s return should give the Jayhawks the advantage they need to win this game.
Score Prediction:
Oklahoma has had a very good season so far, but I don’t think they will be able to keep up with Kansas in this game. The Jayhawks just have way too much firepower especially with Udoka Azubuike playing in this game. This game will be close but Kansas will pull it out. Jayhawks: 80 Sooners: 75
Image via: https://www.kansascity.com/sports/college/big-12/university-of-kansas/article223655040.html
