:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65952414/large960_blur_e67121b373848dd66e32c5511d2efd68.0.jpg)
This past Sunday afternoon, Oklahoma State (KenPom #31) picked up a massive road win against a talented Houston (#35) squad, ending a 2 game losing streak and notching a nice addition to the résumé come tournament time.
On Saturday, they’ll match up against a Minnesota (#63) squad that’s fresh off a big win of their own, taking down previously undefeated Ohio State (#2) 84-71. They pretty much dominated the Buckeyes, leading by as much as 18. Needless to say, Saturday’s game became a lot more interesting with both teams coming off much needed wins.
Who: Minnesota (5-5)
Line: Cowboys -3.5
Where: BOK Center | Tulsa, OK
When: 4:30 p.m. Central | Dec 21st
TV: ESPN2
Streaming: Watch ESPN
Radio: Cowboy Radio Network / TuneIn
Live Stats: okstate.statbroadcast.com
Injury Report
Oklahoma State
Isaac Likekele - Illness (questionable)
Minnesota
Eric Curry - Knee (out for season)
Projected Starters
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19546564/Untitled.png)
The Opponent
:format(webp):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/19533891/usa_today_13799967.0.jpg)
The Golden Gophers come into Saturday’s matchup riding high after defending their home floor against previously undefeated and highly ranked Ohio State last Sunday. Sophomore guard Marcus Carr lead all scorers with 35 points in that game and will present the toughest offensive threat for the Pokes to defend against. Prior to that game, Minnesota struggled with consistency after starting the season 1-3.
As mentioned, Carr leads the way for the Gophers. But he doesn’t lead the team in scoring. That would be sophomore big-man Daniel Oturu, who averages a double-double. Yor Anei will certainly have his hands full on the inside, and winning that individual matchup will go along way in determining who comes out on top in this game.
3 Questions
- Does Yor win the sophomore on sophomore matchup against Oturu? In my opinion, this will be the most skilled big man Anei has had to defend all season. Staying in the game will be even more key for him and the Pokes in this game.
- Can the Cowboys keep the momentum rolling after a big win in Houston? This opponent represents a chance to add a victory over another Power 5 foe as conference play approaches.
- Who starts in the case Likekele is absent for a fourth straight game? We’ve seen Chris Harris Jr. and Dee Mitchell get the nod, but I’m interested to see who Boynton goes with. Maybe he surprises us again, and goes with someone different entirely.