Trae Young was awarded Big12 Player of the Week after he filled up the box score with 15 points, 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. Young showed he’s not just a one way player by grabbing 2 steals and 2 blocks. Young wasn’t the only Sooner who stood out. Five other Sooners managed to throw up double-digit points.
The Sooners are back in action tonight against Ball State (0-1). Cardinals head coach James Whitford is looking to build off the last two successful seasons at the helm where the Cardinals managed a 42-27 record. The Cardinals are coming off a tough one-point loss (77-78) to Dayton. This is not the kind of early season matchup the Sooners need to just work out the kinks. The Cardinals have the potential to give the Sooners a run for their money.
The Sooners defense wasn’t at all perfect in the win against Omaha. They gave up 89 points while allowing the Mavericks to shoot over 50 percent from behind the arc. The Cardinals aren’t afraid to shoot the three ball. The Cardinals had 27 attempts from behind the arc against Dayton. They only made 9 of the 27 shots, but it looks like the Cardinals will be living and dying by the three all season.
Keys to Victory
The Sooners will need to stay home defensively tonight and attack the boards on both sides. They can’t allow the Cardinals to get hot from three. The Sooner’s size and talent alone should be enough to get the win tonight.
This will be the last game before the Sooners head to Portland, Oregon for the Phil Knight Invitational in eight days.
Tip-off is at 7:00pm in the Loyd Noble Center.
Side Note: Trae Young was added to the Wooden Award Watch List yesterday.
