Kansas vs. Oklahoma: 2020-21 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

Kansas takes on Oklahoma this weekend, with both teams looking for bounce-back performances after crucial losses.

TV Schedule: Saturday, January 9, ESPN

Arena: Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas.

For Kansas, they are coming off one of the worst losses in decades. The Jayhawks shot a horrendous 3-23 from beyond the arc and got outrebounded in a 25 point loss to Texas. The Jayhawks shot 30 percent from the field and had just two players scoring in double figures.

Kansas would respond on Tuesday with a resounding win over TCU. In this contest, Kansas had five players in double figures and it was David McCormack that led the way with 20 points. Tuesday’s affair was also the first time in 63 games that Marcus Garrett did not play. The AP respect a lot Kansas when they moved down just two spots after losing to Texas. Kansas rebounded and outhustled TCU in just about every statistical category.

Jalen Wilson has come on very strongly as their top scoring option. Christian Braun has also become a bright spot for the Jayhawks, shooting near 40 percent from beyond the arc and averaging 11 points per game.

Over the past few years, Kansas has been known for their lockdown defense, both on the perimeter and near the rim. Those numbers have not translated this season as they give up 67.9 points per game. That ranks middle of the road within the conference.

For Oklahoma, it has been a confusing season, especially in terms of their schedule. Due to COVID, the Sooners did not start their season until December, 3rd. Their second contest was against TCU and have a Top 10 win over West Virginia. Their lone conference loss was a two-point game to Texas Tech. That game would also start a four-game stretch of playing ranked teams.

Oklahoma is coming off a loss to Baylor 76-61 in Waco on Wednesday. The Sooners shot 21 percent from the field in the first half and got outrebounded 41-30. They let Baylor shoot 48 percent from the field and let the Bears hit 10 three-pointers.

The Sooners are led by the senior duo of Brady Manek and Austin Reaves. Manek is the three-point shooter and has been a four-year starter. He has shot above 36 percent from beyond the arc every season and is off to his best start yet, with 41 percent. For his 6’9 size, Manek isn’t the best rebounder but can play solid defense.

Reaves is a transfer from Wichita State, who has not translated his three-point shot to Norman. Reaves is a near the rim scorer, who shoots 26 percent from three-point range. Reaves is an excellent free throw shooter at 87 percent but can be turnover prone, averaging over 2.5 turnovers per contest. Reaves has excellent size at 6’5 and proves here that he can be clutch late in games.

https://twitter.com/OKCCBSSPORTS105/status/1236461348311257088?s=20

When Kansas cannot score inside, they rely on three-point shooting from Braun, Ogbaji, and Wilson. Texas forced Kansas to take those shots and they can not hit the broadside of a barn. Kur Kuath is going to be a huge factor in this game in containing McCormack.

McCormack shoots just 38 percent from the field and has been a formidable free throw shooter at 84 percent. McCormack is not the presence Azubuike was and is the best place to attack Kansas when they’re on offense.

For Kansas, Oklahoma has been playing fantastic defense over the past four games. They are also excellent from the free throw line and scoring off turnovers. Playing a clean game is always key in winning a game. It is more apparent here, as Oklahoma takes advantage of mistakes. Oklahoma ranks 19th in the country in free throw percentage at 77.8 percent.

Kansas played angry against TCU and once Bill Self’s team finds themselves, they create havoc. The Jayhawks rarely lose at home consecutively and will keep that way on Saturday. Kansas wins with a much improved three-point shooting performance and limiting Oklahoma’s second chance opportunities.

Prediction: #6 Kansas 75, Oklahoma 64