Bedlam Battle for March Madness Hopes
The Bedlam Series is renewed on Wednesday night as the Oklahoma State Cowboys (12-9, 3-5 Big 12) and the Oklahoma Sooners (12-9, 2-6) clash in a meaningful matchup. Both are bubble teams and have struggled during conference play in the loaded Big 12.
Oklahoma State is building momentum after going 3-1 outright and against the spread (ATS) over the last four games. Meanwhile, Oklahoma had a breakthrough performance on Saturday, dismantling then-No. 2 Alabama 93-69. The intensity is raised for Wednesday’s edition of the Bedlam Series.
Let’s check the latest college basketball news, stats, injury reports and college basketball lines for Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma. We’ve got plenty of NCAA basketball picks for you to consider.
Cowboys Offense is Smokin’
Oklahoma State is a defensive-minded team, ranking seventh in Kenpom’s defensive efficiency compared to 120th in offensive efficiency. In addition, the Cowboys rank fifth in opponent field goal percentage and allow 63.1 points per game (93rd percentile).
OSU’s offense has improved during the 3-1 stretch as well. The Cowboys are averaging 78.5 points while shooting 47.3% from the field, compared to their season average of 68.5 points (225th) and 43.6% shooting (207th). Forward Kalib Boone (11.3 points) has hit his stride with back-to-back 18-point outings. This comes at the perfect time as Oklahoma ranks 99th in allowed 2-point percentage. Boone, who shoots 59.1% from the floor, could have another highly efficient night.
The defense will need another good game against Oklahoma, which features one of the nation’s most efficient offenses at 48.2% shooting (15th). Oklahoma State should be up to the task as three of its last four opponents have scored 60 or fewer points. However, the Cowboys have struggled on the road, going 0-3 outright and ATS in their last three away games.
Oklahoma: Turnaround for Moser Era?
The Sooners were struggling with three straight losses while going 0-3 ATS. Saturday’s dominant win over Alabama was something no one saw coming. Oklahoma’s stumbling offense suddenly woke up, shooting a blistering 57.6% while knocking down nine of 13 3-point shots. The win revived the Sooners’ hopes for a March Madness berth. Oklahoma will be in constant must-win situations from here on out. Wednesday’s game is massive.
After longtime coach Lon Kruger announced his retirement, the Sooners made a splash hire with Porter Moser, who led Loyola Chicago to several impressive NCAA Tournament runs. Moser had a mediocre first season at OU with a 19-16 record. This could be the beginning of a turnaround stretch for the Moser era.
Overall, the Sooners have been extremely inconsistent. However, the win over Alabama is a major building block. Oklahoma’s offense seems to be back to normal. Plus, the defense has played well over the last three games, holding two of three opponents to less than 38% shooting.
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Game Injuries
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Head-to-Head
This has been a back-and-forth rivalry with Oklahoma winning 88 of 161 all-time meetings. However, Oklahoma State is 5-1 in the last six matchups. On Jan. 18, the Cowboys covered as two-point underdogs against the Sooners with a 72-56 win.
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Game Information
- Game: Oklahoma State (12-9, 3-5 ACC) vs Oklahoma (12-9, 2-6)
- Location: Lloyd Noble Center, Norman, OK
- Day/Time: Wednesday, Feb. 1, 9 p.m. ET
- Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Live Stream:TBS.com
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Betting Lines
Oklahoma State vs Oklahoma Picks & Prediction
In the last meeting, Oklahoma lost the possession battle with 14 turnovers and got outrebounded by five. The Sooners cannot afford to get outshot when they play at a slower pace than 87% of teams nationally. Oklahoma lost the turnover and rebound battle in three of the last four games.
Oklahoma State ranks 61st in rebounds per game, compared to the Sooner at 283rd. Plus, the Cowboys force more than 13 turnovers per game. Oklahoma has been inconsistent all season. Until proven otherwise, the Sooners remain an unreliable bet. Ride with Oklahoma State on the moneyline.
Oklahoma State is listed at +148 in our Las Vegas college basketball lines. This means that if you wager $100 on the Oklahoma State, you have a chance to win $148. Oklahoma is -170, offering a chance to win $59 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives Oklahoma State a 40.32% chance to win, with Oklahoma at 62.96%.