Tulsa vs. Oklahoma State: College Basketball Game Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule

By Taylor Sturm
Tulsa Basketball Head Coach
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

TV Schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 2, 8:00 p.m. ET

Arena: Gallagher-Iba Arena, Stillwater, Okla.

The Tulsa Golden Hurricane came into the season with high expectations, but they have faltered in their last two games to the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans. The bad news for Tulsa was that both of these teams were not expected to make the 2016 NCAA tournament coming into the season. The good news for the Golden Hurricane, however, is that both of these teams are currently undefeated, meaning that these losses will likely not damage Tulsa in March.

The next opportunity to break the losing streak for Frank Haith and Co. is a trip to Stillwater to face off with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

The Cowboys have surprised many this season by racing off to a 5-1 start, but one quick look at their schedule will reveal that this team has yet to face any team expected to go make the 2016 NCAA tournament. Oklahoma State will come into this game in desperate need of a win over Tulsa, because the Big 12 is arguably the most difficult conference in all of college basketball. Non-conference wins could be the difference from spending March in the NCAA tournament or earning a trip to the NIT, so a win here could give them a big edge over other bubble teams.

Shaquille Harrison and James Woodard have been absolutely explosive for Tulsa, averaging a combined 37 points per game. Oklahoma State, on the other hand, boasts three players, Chris Olivier, Jeff Newberry and Phil Forte, averaging over 13 points per game. Both of these teams are weak on the inside and rely on team rebounding, so effort on the glass is what will decide the outcome of this one.

I like Tulsa to get the win, as their offensive prowess is just too much for the Cowboys to keep up with for all 40 minutes.

Prediction: Tulsa 85, Oklahoma State 78

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Share On FacebookShare StumbleUpon

You May Also Like