This game will a good test for both of these teams. Oklahoma is great at home (11-0) and 3 of West Virginia's 6 losses were on the road. Both teams play at a fast pace. Both teams protect the rim well. Oklahoma is #21 in BPG and West Virginia is #29 in BPG. They both shoot a high number of 3 pointers. Oklahoma is #49 in 3pt Attempts and WVU is #41. But, their differences will be the deciding factor in this game.
Oklahoma will shoot the lights out from 3. They take the 49th most 3's and make them at the 26th best percentage. West Virginia has the 219th ranked 3 point percentage defense. WVU commits the 23rd most fouls per game. Oklahoma will make them pay from the line by shooting close to 75% as a team. Oklahoma has an elite defensive rebounding team in terms of defensive rebounds per game, grabbing the 9th most DRPG. WVU is an elite offensive rebounding team, with the 2nd most ORPG. These strengths should neutralize each other. WVU is an extremely inefficient offense, #273 overall field goal percentage. If Oklahoma limits West Virginia's second chance points, they should start to run away with the game. However, WVU forces the 4th most turnovers per game and Oklahoma is somewhat turnover prone, committing the 133rd most turnovers per game.
Oklahoma will take advantage of West Virginia's poor 3pt defense and limit their offensive rebounds. West Virginia will force turnovers, but it won't be enough as Oklahoma will steadily increase their lead with a barrage of 3 pointers. Oklahoma's strengths perfectly line up with West Virginia's weaknesses, while also neutralizing WVU's elite offensive rebounding. West Virginia's road struggles will continue and Oklahoma will walk away with the win.
