College Basketball Picks – Oklahoma at Gonzaga

Oklahoma Sooners (8-4 SU, 4-5 ATS) at Gonzaga Bulldogs (9-3 SU, 4-5 ATS)

Thursday, December 31: 10:00 p.m.

Here are some Betting Trends which may impact this game:

• Gonzaga: 2-4 ATS at home
• Gonzaga: Total has gone OVER in 3 of their last 4 games
• Oklahoma: Total has gone OVER in 3 of their last 4 games
• Oklahoma: 0-2 ATS in their last 2 games

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As we head into conference play, every team in college basketball is looking for a signature win to define their season so far. That will certainly be the case late Thursday, when the Gonzaga Bulldogs host the Oklahoma Sooners.

For Oklahoma, it has been a disappointing season, after an Elite Eight run last year. Obviously, former All-American Blake Griffin is gone from Norman, but many expected this year’s team to be just as good, as it returned several key players. However 12 games into this season, the Sooners already have four losses, after totaling just six all last year.

The biggest problems for Oklahoma have come on the defensive end. They are simply allowing the opposition to score entirely too many points. On the year, they rank 238th (238th!!!!!) in the country, allowing 71 points per contest. For a team which took so much pride in their defense last year, that is nothing short of embarrassing.

On the offensive end, the Sooners do have capable scorers though, led by guard Willie Warren. Warren’s play has come under fire early this season, as he came back to Norman to prove that he was a worthy future NBA superstar. And while he is leading this team in scoring, his close to 19 points per game, his defense has been below average. Guard Tony Crocker joins him in the backcourt, and is averaging 14 points, and surprisingly, seven rebounds per game as well.

As for Gonzaga, they have exceeded expectations to many degrees, after losing the bulk of last year’s roster. They have four players who are averaging double-figure point totals, led by last year’s only returning starter, guard Matt Bouldin. Bouldin won’t wow you with skill, but can get his points in a variety of ways, and also leads this team in assists as well.

In this game, expect both teams to play hard, as each is desperate for a victory. Gonzaga is coming off an embarrassing loss to Duke 10 days ago, and Oklahoma, well they really haven’t beaten anyone of substance.

However, we’re going to give the slight edge to Oklahoma on the road. Although their record isn’t sparkling, they have won six of their last seven, after early season struggles. The only loss came in their most recent game, to a deceptively good UTEP team.

They have the size and athleticism inside to give Gonzaga fits, and will give the Bulldogs trouble. Because of it, take the Sooners, on the road, as they look to turn their season around. They should be underdogs, so taking them in the betting odds might give you a nice New Year’s present.

Aaron’s Pick: Oklahoma by 4

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