Oral Roberts Basketball: Key non-conference matchups for 2022-23

Oral Roberts Basketball: Key non-conference matchups for 2022-23 season

Mar 19, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Oral Roberts Golden Eagles guard Max Abmas (3) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half in the first round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Bickel-USA TODAY Sports /

The non-conference schedule for Oral Roberts Basketball is out. Who are the notable foes of the former March Madness Cinderella?

Since Oral Roberts Basketball comes from a one-bid league (Summit League), an argument can be made that what they do in the non-conference doesn’t matter much. And while that may be true from a Bracketology standpoint, the team still has one of the best players in the country in Max Abmas, who has averaged over 23.0 ppg in each of the past two years and played a starring role in the program’s history Sweet 16 run as a 15 seed in 2021.

Abmas is back, making the Golden Eagles a must-watch this upcoming season. And their non-conference schedule is out, featuring some interesting opponents. Here are the key matchups to watch for Oral Roberts in the first couple of months.

at Saint Mary’s Gaels – Nov 7th

Possibly the best game on opening night, the explosive Golden Eagles offense takes on one of the best defenses in the country in Saint Mary’s. Their roster has had some changes but returning starter Logan Johnson is not only the projected leading scorer for them, but he’ll also be tasked with guarding Abmas throughout the game. It’s the ultimate “offense vs defense” matchup and will have resume implications for both sides.

at Houston Cougars – Nov 14th

As good as Saint Mary’s defense is Houston’s is actually better. And they have arguably the best set of guards in the country this season, Jamal Shead, Tramon Mark, and All-American candidate Marcus Sasser will try to shut Oral Roberts down but they can have their struggles with mid-majors, including nearly losing at home to Hofstra to open last season.

at Tulsa Hurricanes – Dec 3rd

Abmas had a season-high 38 points in the team’s 87-80 home upset over the Golden Hurricanes and with the AAC program rebuilding, Oral Robers could potentially make it two straight. Sam Griffin (14.6 ppg) is the guard to watch for Tulsa but against “power conference” opponents, this is very winnable.

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Liberty Flames – Dec 12th

There are few players in the country that scores more than Abmas but Liberty has one in Darius McGhee, who averaged 24.6 ppg last season and was easily the Atlantic Sun Player of the Year. It’ll be a great matchup between two of the best guards in the country but like Saint Mary’s also a solid contrast of styles as the Flames are also a top-tier defensive unit. Whoever scores more between McGhee and Abmas could win this game.