Rhode Island Basketball: Keys for the Rams to knock off Oklahoma

Slow the game down

The speed of this game could have a major impact on who wins this game. Whoever is able to dictate the pace will likely be the team in front for the majority of the contest. As backward as it might seem, Rhode Island plays at a relatively slow pace despite creating so many turnovers on defense. According to KenPom, the Rams’ tempo ranks 148th in the nation.

On the flip side, Oklahoma plays at a blistering pace. The Sooners average 75.7 possessions per 40 minutes, a number that is 7.1 higher than that of Rhode Island and ranks as the fifth-fastest pace in the country. Their offense is run by a shoot-first point guard in Trae Young who has no trouble leading a fast break that ends in a pull-up three or a swift assist to a basket.

In order for Rhode Island to take this W, they are going to need to limit those transition opportunities after missed baskets. Even though Oklahoma is one of the worst defensive rebounding teams in the country, Rhode Island is not a very good team on the offensive glass. It might just be safer to send one guy to the boards and leave the other four to get back on defense.

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In the end, this will be an exciting game. Even though Oklahoma has lost eight of their last 10 games, they are a dangerous opponent because of Trae Young. Rhode Island has been the far more consistent team this season and that, coupled with their veteran experience, is what gives them the edge in this one for me.

Prediction: Rhode Island 83, Oklahoma 76.