[9:02 PM] Oklahoma State v. Connecticut

Who will WIN this matchup?

Oklahoma State Cowboys (3-0)

Connecticut Huskies (1-2)

 

• The line for this game is Oklahoma State by 3.5 points.

• Monday’s first-round matchup at the Maui Jim Maui Invitational between Oklahoma State and Connecticut features a clash of styles with the Huskies looking to slow down the Cowboys’ up-tempo pace. Oklahoma State has crossed the 100-point mark in each of its first three games for the second time in school history, while UConn is holding opponents to 64.3 points per contest.

• The Cowboys boast one of the country’s top backcourts in senior sharpshooter Phil Forte and sophomore point guard Jawun Evans, who is averaging 23.3 points and 6.3 assists along with three steals. After struggling to get going in the first two games, senior forward Leyton Hammonds recorded his second career double-double with 15 points and a game-high 13 rebounds against New Orleans. Freshman center Lucas N’Guessan, a 7-footer from the Netherlands, made a push for more playing time after posting 11 points and six rebounds off the bench against the Privateers.

• Sophomore wing Terry Larrier is averaging 16.7 points to lead the youthful Huskies, who held on for a much-needed win at Loyola Marymount after opening with surprising losses to Wagner and Northeastern. Senior center Amida Brimah averages 7.3 rebounds and 4.3 blocks, and the 7-footer is coming off one of the best games of his career after collecting 10 boards and four blocks against the Lions. The backcourt includes sophomore Jalen Adams and freshman Christian Vital, who is expected to play after scoring nine points while battling back spasms in Thursday’s victory.

• The winner faces the victor of North Carolina-Chaminade on Tuesday.

• UConn is 11-of-44 from 3-point range over the last two games.

• Oklahoma State won the teams’ only previous meeting 80-64 on Dec. 18, 1970 in Lafayette, La.

StreakSmarts Pick: Oklahoma State Cowboys

Confidence: 6/10

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