Kansas basketball: Oklahoma rematch, where to watch
By Stan Unruh
The Kansas basketball team returns to work at Allen Fieldhouse Monday night. Here are a few things to know when the Jayhawks host the Sooners.
The Kansas basketball team will look for some measure of revenge when they host Oklahoma on Big Monday. The Jayhawks could and probably should have won their first meeting on January 23 in Norman. Hall of Fame coach Bill Self took full responsibility for the 5-point loss. Fortunately Udoka Azubuike is a much better free throw shooter than he was that night.
Since their win over the Jayhawks, Oklahoma has struggled. They have lost six of the past seven games. That’s difficult to comprehend considering they supposedly have All-World point guard Trae Young. As a matter of fact, the Sooners will bring a five-game losing streak to Allen Fieldhouse. Texas beat Oklahoma Saturday by 11 in Norman.
In that setback, Young scored 26 but only one other Sooner scored in double figures. Christian James contributed 11 points. OU shot just 26 percent from 3 and just 30 percent for the game. The Longhorns also dominated the Sooners on the glass. The Jayhawks must do the same.
Oklahoma still leads the Big 12 in scoring offense and rebounding offense. They are listed at the bottom in defensive rebounding and scoring defense. Trae Young scored 26 against the Jayhawks in Norman but two other Sooners also hurt them. Brady Manek’s 14 points and 7 rebounds were big for OU. James added 15 points.
Here is where to watch the Jayhawks play the Sooners
Date: February 19
Time: 8 p.m. CST
Location: Lawrence
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse
Television: ESPN
Streaming: Watch ESPN
Listen: Jayhawk Radio Network
Keys to victory
Next: Jayhawks rally past Mountaineers again
The Jayhawks need to play tough defense and run the offense through Udoka Azubuike. Dok did a fantastic job staying out of foul trouble in the second half against West Virginia. He is improving every game. In addition, the Jayhawks must not let Young run wild and have a huge offensive night. Bill Self also needs positive contributions from Lagerald Vick and Malik Newman. If Svi Mykhailiuk can get hot, that will have a dramatic impact on the outcome.