Oklahoma State vs. UConn Odds
| Oklahoma State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -106 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | +400 |
| UConn Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -114 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | -550 |
Oklahoma State will hit the road to face its toughest challenge of the season on Thursday as it takes on the eighth-ranked UConn Huskies in the Big East-Big 12 Battle.
It's been a solid start to the season for the Cowboys, as they're currently 5-2, with their two losses coming against two of their top three opponents in Southern Illinois and UCF.
The Huskies, meanwhile, are off to their best start to a season since the 2013-14 campaign, when UConn began the year 9-0.
It hasn't been an 8-0 start against lowered-tier teams. This UConn squad is fresh off of a 3-0 sweep of the PKI, during which it beat three teams ranked in the top 50 (per KenPom) by an average of 19 points.
Thursday night will be the third meeting all-time between the Cowboys and the Huskies. This will be their first since 2016, as well as the first time they will meet outside of a neutral court.
The Cowboys lead the all-time series 2-0, and while they may be a 9.5-point underdog, Oklahoma State is 7-9 over the last three years against top-10 teams.
Oklahoma State Cowboys
The Cowboys have been solid on both sides of the ball so far this year.
At the offensive end, Moussa Cisse has been incredible, posting a double-double in four of OSU's first seven games.
His supporting cast of John-Michael Wright, Caleb Asberry, Bryce Thompson and Avery Anderson III have all been equally as important to the offense. The four have scored 55% of the Cowboys' points to start the season.
Off the glass, Cisse, once again, leads the way, but Kalib Boone has been great, as well. The two have combined for 39% of the Cowboys' rebounds so far on the season.
Oklahoma State has struggled from deep, hitting just 29.3% of its 3-point attempts. However, this hasn't been a major issue due to the fact that it doesn't take many 3-pointers and gets 57.8% of its points from 2-point shots.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have been even better, holding teams to an effective field goal percentage of 41.7%. In their last two games, neither opponent has scored more than 30 points in a half, and just once this season has an opponent scored more than 66 points in a game.
Oklahoma State opponents have averaged just 62.3 points per game so far this year, but how many points can the Cowboys hold the 14th-ranked Huskies — who are averaging 84 a game — to?
Connecticut Huskies
The Huskies have been one of the most impressive teams I've watched all year, and the numbers back it up.
Adama Sanogo leads the team in both points and rebounds per game, and is one of four Huskies averaging double digits in points.
UConn's other big man — Donovan Clingan — has been amazing as well, earning the Big East Player of the Week award last week after he put up 15 points and 10 rebounds in the final game of the PKI. His award marked the third straight week a UConn player won the award.
Dan Hurley's team ranks in the top 10 when it comes to adjusted efficiency on both sides of the ball. This team has been so good it's almost difficult to find something it's struggled with.
The Huskies' defense should have no problem causing issues for the Cowboys' offense, especially after what it did against Alabama.
However, Oklahoma State's defense could give the Huskies issues, as well.
While UConn has performed well against elite defenses, all of those teams have been lacking in one area or another. This Oklahoma State teams ranks inside the top 75 when it comes to effective FG%, turnover %, 3-point and 2-point percentage and block percentage.
The Cowboys' consistency in every facet of defense is their biggest asset against the Huskies.
Oklahoma State vs. UConn Betting Pick
As I mentioned, I do think this Oklahoma State team will present a decent challenge for the Huskies. I think the Cowboys have the talent and experience to keep up with UConn and limit the Huskies' scoring, at least somewhat.
However, this Huskies team has covered the number in every game so far this season, even as a double-digit favorite in five of their eight games.
This Huskies team has been better than I expected in every single game, and while I'm sure regression will come eventually, I'll be backing the Huskies until it does.
Pick: UConn -10.5 or Better |
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