Rush The Court

When Kansas and Oklahoma tip off tonight, it will be the first time the nation’s top two teams have squared off in conference action since 2007. We know what you’re thinking: We’re not sure what we did to deserve this, either. It’s way too early to be certain of the precise impact this matchup will have on the impending Big 12 race, but as a result of their tremendous seasons to this point, it is safe to say that this game will be a big one, and that it pits #1 versus #2 only elevates the excitement. To get you ready for tonight’s main event (9:00 PM EST, ESPN), here are three keys for each team, brought to you by Big 12 microsite writers Brian Goodman (@BSGoodman) and Chris Stone (@cstonehoops).

Three Keys For Kansas (BG)

1. Stretch Oklahoma’s defense. Perry Ellis is having his best season as a Jayhawk — averaging 15.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game — but his lack of overwhelming size for his position and wavering levels of assertiveness could be exposed by Oklahoma’s interior defense. Led by Ryan Spangler and Khadeem Latin, the Sooners are allowing just 50.4 percent shooting on attempts at the rim, which ranks 33rd nationally. There’s always the chance that a friendly whistle in Allen Fieldhouse helps even things out, but if Spangler and Lattin clamp down inside, Kansas will need to try something different. With five players shooting 39 percent or better from long-range, the Jayhawks certainly have the personnel to extend the Sooners’ defense.
2. Lock down Jordan Woodard. When facing a team with a legitimate National Player of the Year candidate like Buddy Hield, the conventional wisdom is to force his supporting cast of role players to make plays. While it sounds good in theory, that shouldn’t be the Jayhawks’ plan tonight. Yes, if Kansas contains Hield, there’s a very good chance it will come out on top, but this is no one-man operation. Oklahoma’s supporting cast — especially Jordan Woodard — is also very good. The junior is shooting a scorching 53.1 percent from long range and draws 4.1 fouls per 40 minutes, which is more than any other Sooner than Hield. He’ll make you pay for those whistles, too, as he’s made 89.7 percent of his free throw attempts this season. Hawaii hung close to the Sooners two weeks ago in large part because the Rainbow Warriors held Woodard to just one made field goal. The Jayhawks have enough firepower to use a rough game from Woodard as the difference between a win and loss.
3. Keep the Sooners out of transition. Kansas’ standing as a top-10 defensive unit can largely be attributed to their outstanding transition defense. Just 17 percent of opponents’ shot attempts have come in transition, with Kansas foes shooting just 44.8 percent in that situation. The Sooners love to push the ball, and even though Kansas’ athleticism and stable of quality big men allows them to run with anyone, the Jayhawks must make sure they beat Oklahoma back on defense. Kansas isn’t a pressing team, but don’t be surprised if you see the Jayhawks pick up the Sooners in the backcourt on at least a few occasions in an effort to slow down Oklahoma’s transition game.

Three Keys for Oklahoma (CS)

1. Make threes. It might seem obvious to suggest that a team scoring 34.8 percent of its total points from beyond the arc should continue to make threes if it wants to defeat a really good team on the road, but knocking down those shots is more important for Oklahoma than it is for any other top 10 offense. Lon Kruger‘s club is the lone team ranked among the top 10 in adjusted offensive efficiency that is shooting below 50 percent on its two-point attempts this season. Without a go-to low post scoring option beyond Spangler, it is imperative that the Sooners continue to make their deep balls.
2. Weather the storm. Allen Fieldhouse gives life to one of the best home court advantages in all of college basketball, and the Jayhawks regularly take advantage of the raucous atmosphere to build early (and often, insurmountable) leads. Kansas’ quick start potential was on display against Baylor on Saturday when the Jayhawks knocked down six of their first seven three-point attempts in establishing a 20-point lead before the second media timeout. They’ve now won 31 straight games in Lawrence, and if the Sooners want to avoid being victim number 32, they’ll need to either prevent the early run or bounce back quickly when it happens.
3. Bring the defense. In addition to its top 10 offense, Oklahoma also boasts a top 10 defense for the second straight season. In two of their last three games (against Iowa State and Hawaii), however, the Sooners have conceded more than a point per possession. For Oklahoma to contain a fellow elite offense, the Sooners will need their defense to find its old reliable form. Oklahoma held another top 10 offense, Villanova, to a minuscule 0.77 points per possession earlier this season. Will that kind of lockdown defense travel to Lawrence tonight?