The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
University of Texas
Oklahoma
No. 24/23 Men’s Basketball preview: at No. rv/25 Oklahoma [March 1, 2014]
02.27.2014 | Men's Basketball
The Longhorns meet the Sooners for a Saturday afternoon tilt in Norman, Okla.
Complete Game Notes | Watch (ESPN3) | Watch (Big 12 Network) | Listen (internet audio) | Listen (radio) | Live Stats | Twitter | Instagram | #TEXvsOU
No. 24/23 Texas (21-7, 10-5 Big 12) at No. rv/25 Oklahoma (20-8, 9-6 Big 12)
Saturday, March 1, 2014 - 3 p.m. Central
Lloyd Noble Center (12,000) - Norman, Okla.
GAMEDAY QUICK FACTS
• TELEVISION: The game will be televised regionally by the Big 12 Network. Dave Armstrong (pxp) and Bryndon Manzer (analyst) will call the action.
• RADIO: Saturday's game at Oklahoma will air on the Longhorn Sports Network statewide network and KVET (FM 98.1). Craig Way (pxp) and Eddie Oran (analyst) will call the action. Check www.TexasSports.com for a listing of affiliates carrying the game.
• SERIES: Oklahoma leads, 49-35. Last meeting: Oklahoma 88-85 (Jan. 4, 2014; Austin)
NOTABLES
• Defense Wins
The Longhorns limited Baylor to 36.1% FG shooting during Wednesday's victory in Austin, including a 25.0% mark (8-of-32) in the first half. Texas improved to 17-0 on the season when holding its opponent to below 40% FG shooting.
• Felix Finds the Range from Distance
Sophomore guard Javan Felix set a career high in three-pointers made (7-of-9) while recording a team-high 21 points in 39 minutes during UT's home win against Baylor on Wednesday. Felix converted 5-of-5 threes in the first half, tying a school record for most three-pointers made in a half without a miss.
• Ridley Sees Double
Sophomore center Cameron Ridley recorded his seventh double-double of the season (fourth in Big 12 Conference play) with his 20-point, 10-rebound effort during Wednesday's victory against Baylor. Ridley converted 7-of-13 field goals and 6-of-9 free throws, grabbed five offensive boards and added two blocks in 27 minutes.
TEXAS VS. OKLAHOMA
• Saturday's contest marks the 85th meeting between Texas and Oklahoma.
• The Sooners hold a 49-35 lead in the all-time series that dates back to a 59-26 OU victory in Norman on Feb. 25, 1910.
• UT has won seven of the last nine overall meetings against OU.
• Texas is 21-17 against Oklahoma under Rick Barnes.
OFFENSIVE SPARK
Texas outscored Baylor (Feb. 26) 34-18 in the paint and 18-5 in fast break points. In their previous two games combined (at Iowa State and at Kansas), the Longhorns were outscored 78-40 in the paint and 34-2 in fast break points. Additionally, Texas increased its field goal percentage to 47.5% (28-of-59) and nearly 20 percent from beyond the arc to 50% (8-16) in the win over Baylor.
BUILDING A SOLID RESUME
The Longhorns have posted a 5-4 record against AP Top 25 opponents this year. UT's resume includes road wins against No. 14 North Carolina (86-83) and No. 24 Baylor (74-60) and home victories against No. 8 Iowa State (86-76), No. 22 Kansas State (67-64) and No. 6 Kansas (81-69). Texas owns a 6-5 record in away/neutral-site games this season.
NIGHT AND DAY
Through 28 games last year, the Longhorns had posted a 13-15 overall record, including a 5-10 mark in Big 12 Conference play. This season, the Horns are off to a 21-7 start, including a 10-5 mark in league play.
A CHECK OF THE POLLS
Texas is ranked No. 24 in the most recent Associated Press poll (Feb. 24) and No. 23 in the most recent USA Today Coaches poll (Feb. 24). During the Rick Barnes era, the Horns have spent 180 weeks in The AP Top 25, including 84 in the Top 10.
WINNING THE CLOSE ONES
Texas is 10-2 this season in games decided by seven points or less. This mark includes an 86-83 win at No. 14/18 North Carolina (Dec. 18) and a 67-64 home victory against No. 22 Kansas State (Jan. 21).
