It will be a battle between Big 12 opponents when the Oklahoma State Cowboys (11-5, 1-3 Big 12) welcome the Texas Longhorns (11-5, 2-2 Big 12) to Gallagher-Iba Arena. The game will air on ESPNews at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Texas Longhorns at Oklahoma State Cowboys Free Prediction
The last time the Longhorns played, they beat the No. 16 TCU Horned Frogs, 99-98. One of Texas’ largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They had 29 free throw attempts, while TCU had 20. Matt Coleman played well for Texas, contributing 17 points, 12 assists and five rebounds.
The Cowboys lost to the Kansas State Wildcats in their last matchup, 86-82. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Kansas State’s biggest strengths. They made 37 trips to the line, while Oklahoma State went 22 times. Oklahoma State’s Brandon Averette had a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 22 points on 8-for-11 shooting.
It will be a showdown of conflicting tempos as the fast-breaking Cowboys (ranked 53rd in the NCAA in possessions per game) will look to push the more half-court-oriented Longhorns (164th in possessions per game).
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Mohamed Bamba (13.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 5.4 blocks) has been stellar for the Longhorns while Jeffrey Carroll (18.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals) has made solid contributions to the Cowboys.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will meet for the first time this year. In the most recent game, the Cowboys won 84-71. Oklahoma State launched 19 three pointers, making 10 of them (52.6 percent), while Texas was just 4-23 (17.4 percent).
Texas Longhorns vs. Oklahoma State Cowboys ATS Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Oklahoma State, ATS Winner – Oklahoma State, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma State ranks 43rd in assists per game (16.2) while Texas ranks 188th (12.3).
The Cowboys rank 64th in rebounds per game (38.4) while the Longhorns rank 199th in rebounds allowed per game (37.0).
Oklahoma State ranks 39th in three pointers allowed per game (19.4) while Texas ranks 133rd (22.1).
The Longhorns rank 41st in steals allowed per game (5.4) while the Cowboys rank 101st (6.4).
Texas ranks ninth in blocks per game (6.3) while Oklahoma State ranks 69th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Longhorns’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cowboys have scored an average of 89.6 points per game (8.4 above their season average) and allowed an average of 90.0 points per game (17.8 above their season average).
