UNC Basketball: 3 keys to beating Oklahoma in the Jumpman Invitational

UNC Basketball is in a tenuous position. After an encouraging start to the season, the Tar Heels have lost two straight on neutral courts to UConn and Kentucky, and while the Huskies and Wildcats appear to be Final Four contenders, that's small consolation to a UNC team that began the year 7-1.

Carolina needs to get its mojo back, and with a matchup against Oklahoma in the Jumpman Invitational looming, it has the perfect opportunity to do so. After two disappointing seasons to begin the Porter Moser era in Norman, the Sooners are one of only four undefeated teams left in the country.

Oklahoma hasn't played the gauntlet that the Tar Heels have, but with wins over Iowa, Arkansas, and Providence (a 21-point drubbing that looks even better after the Friars wrecked #6 Marquette on Tuesday), the Sooners have done more than enough to prove that they're for real.

The Sooners are extremely deep, and they have one of the best defenses in the country (#9 according to KenPom). The only thing close to a statistical weakness in their profile is a propensity for turning the ball over, but even so, Oklahoma forces more turnovers than they give up.

In most years, playing Oklahoma might seem like a letdown opportunity after back-to-back games against UConn and Kentucky, but the Sooners' undefeated record and #7 position in the AP poll should ensure that Carolina doesn't overlook this one. The Tar Heels need to bring their A-game to end their skid. Here's how they can do it.