Three Things to Know Before Oklahoma State Hosts Arizona

The Cowboys will look to make it a win streak on Tuesday night when they host Arizona, a new Big 12 foe. The Wildcats were rolling, having won seven straight, before they stumbled into Lubbock and lost to Texas Tech thanks to an uncharacteristic performance on the boards and from the field.

Will the ‘Cats rebound in GIA or can the Cowboys finally create some momentum? We’ll find out on Tuesday, but in the meantime, here are three things to know about the matchup.

1. The Wildcats Can Run Too

Looks like we might be in for a track meet.

If you’ve spent much time watching the Cowboys this season, you know that they’re at their best when they force turnovers and then get in transition.

Oklahoma State ranks second among Big 12 teams in KenPom’s adjusted tempo statistic, but following close behind is Arizona. Arizona leads the Big 12, averaging 14.1 fastbreak points per game. The Cowboys are third at 13.9. Both these teams like to run.

2. Arizona Has Plenty of Weapons

Saturday’s loss to Tech was an aberration. Arizona tied a season low with 54 points on their worst shooting performance of the year (31% from the field, 16.7% from 3). That is not a typical day for the ‘Cats, and it should make the Cowboys nervous, if anything. Arizona is third in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 82.4 points per game and fourth in shooting at 47.8%. And there are several Wildcats who can beat you.

Arizona has three players averaging double-digit scoring with two more scoring nine points per game. They’re led by All-American Caleb Love (14.9 points per game), who will look to shake a big of a shooting slump. Love is coming off a pair of subpar performances by his standards in which he failed to reach double digits and combined to go 6-for-23. Don’t count on that to last too long. But if it does, the Cowboys will have to try to contain the likes of Jaden Bradley (11.6 ppg and 3.7 assists) and KJ Lewis, who averages 10.2 off the bench.

3. The ‘Cats Crash the Boards

The Pokes will have their hands full on the glass.

Arizona was minus-10 on the boards in the loss to Tech, another abnormality about that game, which resulted in 15 Red Raider second-chance points to the Wildcats’ five. But that was only the fourth time they’ve been out-rebounded all year. Arizona ranks second in the Big 12 and 21st nationally at 40.4 rebounds per game. The Wildcats are 20th in offensive rebounding percentage.

All that to say, Saturday’s loss was atypical for the Wildcats who are no doubt ready to put it behind them. The two teams share a similar style — with the Wildcats, over the course of the season, having been much more effective at employing it. The Cowboys will have to be ready.

Oklahoma State and Arizona tip off at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Gallagher-Iba Arena.