The Oklahoma State Cowboys look to rebound from their loss to the Maryland Terrapins when they face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.
After a tough one-point loss to the Maryland Terrapins by the score of 71-70, the Oklahoma State Cowboys are looking to respond in a strong way. They face the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on the road at 4 p.m. CT. The Pokes come into this game with a record of 6-2, while the Golden Hurricane enters with a record of 4-3. OK State is 0-1 on the road while TU is 3-1 at home. According to ESPN Pick Center, the Pokes are seven-point favorites.
Let’s take a look at the background of both teams up to this point and how the Cowboys look to get back on track against Tulsa.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane
The Golden Hurricane has played well since starting off the season 0-2. They have won four out of their last five games.
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Jaleel Wheeler scores career-best 17 points, but #TulsaMBB falls to UALR 72-62 https://t.co/KjdTllOh9j
— TU Sports Extra (@TUSportsExtra) December 5, 2016
Tulsa’s leading scorer, Jaleel Wheeler, has been the biggest key to their success. He missed the first two games of the season, which both resulted in losses. Wheeler is averaging 13.8 points per game, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and a 43.6 field goal percentage. He will need a big game for the Golden Hurricane to be victorious.
Forward Junior Etou could also play a large role in this game. He is second on the team in scoring at 12.6 points per game. Etou is also leading the team in rebounds per game at 7.7, A matchup to watch could be at the small forward spot between Lindy Waters III and Cameron McGriff from OK State against Etou.
Tulsa has two huge victories in their last four games. Double-digit wins against Oral Roberts and Oregon State could prove huge when it comes to NCAA Tournament selection time. However, this game against OK State could arguably be their toughest test yet.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
OK State enters this meeting with Tulsa looking for some redemption. They controlled the Maryland game most of the way through. However, Terps point guard Melo Trimble came up with some clutch free throws to win.
The key for success for the Pokes lies in their backcourt. If point guard Jawun Evans and shooting guard Phil Forte can play well, it is likely that OK State can win. Evans is averaging 23.6 points per game, 5.1 assists, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.0 steals while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. Forte is averaging 14.5 points per game but he is struggling with his shooting. He is averaging a career-low 37.8 field goal percentage.
Forward Jeffrey Carroll has been a fantastic sixth man. He is second on the team in scoring and first in rebounds, all while coming off the bench.
Another player to pay some attention to is center Lucas N’Guessan. With Mitchell Solomon having difficulties in the role of starting center, N’Guessan has taken advantage of his opportunities. The seven-footer is averaging 4.5 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game while only playing 12.9 minutes per game. Considering Solomon scored on his own basket in their one-point loss to Maryland, N’Guessan should be the starter now.
Prediction
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Oklahoma State 82, Tulsa 74