It will be a meeting between two tremendous defenses when the Northwestern Wildcats (8-3) square off with the Oklahoma Sooners (10-1) at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Action begins at 9 p.m. ET on Friday, December 21, 2018.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Northwestern Wildcats Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Wildcats won big over the New Orleans Privateers 82-52, while the Sooners beat the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros 91-76.
Oklahoma played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.379 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.595. For those same stats, UT Rio Grande Valley was 0.130 and 0.486, respectively. The Wildcats, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 20.4) and had a much better free throw rate (0.350 vs. 0.204). Vic Law played well for Northwestern, finishing with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists. Christian James was a key piece for Oklahoma with 29 points.
The Sooners won the lone contest between these two teams last year, 104-78. Oklahoma did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (21-27; 77.8 percent). Northwestern, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 24.0). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The Sooners’ James has been playing at a high level over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Law has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Wildcats.
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the nation’s premier defenses. Northwestern currently ranks 29th in defensive efficiency (91.1) and Oklahoma is 21st (89.6).
Oklahoma vs. Northwestern Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Northwestern, ATS Winner – Northwestern, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Northwestern ranks sixth in three pointers allowed per game (16.9) while Oklahoma ranks 215th (25.6).
- The Sooners are 35th in the NCAA with 2.5 blocks allowed per game while the Wildcats are 43rd with 2.7 blocks allowed per game.
- The Wildcats rank 24th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while the Sooners rank 197th (37.3).
- Northwestern ranks 42nd in assists per game (15.7) while Oklahoma ranks 143rd (13.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Wildcats’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.6, up from 12.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Sooners have scored an average of 75.2 points per game (1.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 69.0 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
