March Madness Bubble Watch: State Warfare

It’ll be Bedlam in the first round of the Big XII Tournament Wednesday afternoon. That is when the Oklahoma State Cowboys square off with their cross-state rivals, the Oklahoma Sooners in the NCAA Basketball betting odds.

Oklahoma Sooners (13-17 SU, 11-16 ATS) vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys (21-9 SU, 14-9-1 ATS): Big XII Tournament First Round

Wednesday, March 10: 7:00 p.m.

Here are some NCAA Betting Trends which may impact this game:

Oklahoma: 0-5 SU in their last 5 games
Oklahoma: 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games

Oklahoma State: 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games
Oklahoma State: 3-2 SU in their last 5 games

Let’s start with the Oklahoma Sooners, which have been nothing short of the most disappointing team in college basketball this season. It was just 12 months ago that they went all the way to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament, but this season was an all out disaster, as their 4-12 mark in the Big XII ranked them second to last.

The biggest problem for Oklahoma has been the problematic Willie Warren. The sophomore guard returned this season and was expected to be a leader, but instead, he’s simply been one problem after another for coach Jeff Capel. Mercifully for Oklahoma fans, Warren’s season is over, as he recently had an ankle injury and won’t be playing anymore in 2010.

In Warren’s place, there have been some bright spots, mainly freshman guard Tommy Mason-Griffin. Mason-Griffin has been the Sooners best player in Warren’s departure, as he’s averaging almost 14 points a game on the season. Backcourt mate Cade Davis has been hot too, and scored a season-high 22 points against Texas just 10 days ago.

As for Oklahoma State Cowboys, they are looking at a very likely NCAA Tournament berth, but would like to officially wrap one up with a win Wednesday. The Cowboys score 74 points a game, making them a very dangerous threat offensively. And speaking of offensively, they’re led by one of the best pure scorers in college basketball, guard James Anderson. Anderson burst onto the scene with a 27 point performance over No. 1 Kansas a week ago, but has actually been great all season, averaging just under 23 a game. Obi Muonelo contributes 13 as well.

While Oklahoma State would hardly be considered a defensive juggernaut, they are certainly stronger than their counterparts Wednesday. Oklahoma State gives up just 67 points per game, compared to more than 73 for Oklahoma. The Sooners also allow opponents to shoot 44 percent from the field, a number that helps explain their 13-17 record.

And it’s because of the defense that Oklahoma State should be favored. This one will likely be high scoring, and the Cowboys simply have more players that can put the ball in the basket. While Oklahoma may be better without Warren psychologically, there’s no doubt they could use him on the court Wednesday.

This may be one of college basketball’s best rivalries, but in the Big XII Tournament it will be no contest. Take Oklahoma State in the NCAA Betting Odds.

Aaron’s Pick: Oklahoma State ATS