The Oklahoma State Cowboys (18-13, 8-10 Big 12) and the Oklahoma Sooners (18-12, 8-10 Big 12) face off in the Big 12 Conference Tourney at Sprint Center. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 165.5 points with neither team favored. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys ATS Preview
The Sooners had no trouble getting past the Iowa State Cyclones in their last game, 81-60. With 15 points, six assists and five rebounds, Oklahoma’s Trae Young had a solid game. The Sooners had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 6.9 (better than their season average of 15.7) and held the Cyclones to an effective field goal percentage of 0.346 (below their season average of 0.503).
In the Cowboys’ last matchup, they blew out the No. 6 Kansas Jayhawks, 82-64. With 25 points on 9-for-15 shooting, Kendall Smith was the game’s high scorer. Oklahoma State played a nearly flawless game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.333 (above their season average of 0.241) and a turnover percentage of 13.5 (better than their season average of 16.0). Kansas recorded marks of 0.117 and 20.8, respectively, for those same stats.
Oklahoma State should have an advantage on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Cowboys currently rank 42nd in offensive rebounding percentage (33.6 percent), while Oklahoma ranks 240th in defensive rebounding percentage (70.3 percent).
In terms of the O/U total, these teams are complete opposites. Games involving Oklahoma have gone over 58.6 percent of the time, while 64.3 percent of Oklahoma State games have finished under. Both teams have respectable straight up (SU) records (18-12 for Oklahoma; 18-13 for Oklahoma State), but the Cowboys have the edge against the spread (ATS). Oklahoma State is 14-14 ATS, while the Sooners are 10-19.
These two teams have met twice already this year, each winning once. In the most recent contest, the Sooners lost 83-81, unable to cover as 2-point favorites. Young led both teams with 48 points and also recorded eight assists and five rebounds. The two teams combined to put up 164 points, which was just 3 points below the projected point total of 167 points. Oklahoma State had a better effective field goal percentage (0.457 vs. 0.402). Oklahoma, on the other hand, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (15-17; 88.2 percent).
Oklahoma Sooners vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys Prediction
Free Pick: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – Oklahoma State, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Cowboys average 14.4 assists per game, which ranks 95th in the nation. The Sooners rank 224th in assists allowed per game (14.8).
- Oklahoma State averages 6.7 steals per game, which ranks 80th in the NCAA. Oklahoma ranks 183rd in steals allowed per game (6.9).
- Oklahoma State ranks 62nd in three pointers allowed per game (19.9) while Oklahoma ranks 282nd (25.2).
- The Cowboys rank 89th in rebounds per game (36.7) while the Sooners rank 271st in rebounds allowed per game (38.4).
- Oklahoma State ranks 51st in blocks per game (4.2) while Oklahoma ranks 198th in blocks allowed per game (4.4).
Bettings Trends:
- Oklahoma State is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Oklahoma is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Cowboys’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 3.6 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Sooners have scored an average of 74.2 points per game (11.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 81.0 points per game (1.0 below their season average).
