The Dayton Flyers and Oklahoma Sooners meet up tonight in NCAA Tournament action. The game is scheduled for a 6:10 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on TNT. Currently the NCAA Tournament Odds for the game have Oklahoma favored by a couple of buckets in this one.
Dayton is the only double digit seed playing today and they’re looking for a second straight trip to the Sweet 16. The Flyers earned a win to open the tournament in the first four games, beating Boise State before knocking off sixth-seeded Providence in Friday’s action. The Flyers are playing close to home in this one as well, with the game being played in Columbus.
Oklahoma is one of the better defensive teams in the country, though they might not get a lot of credit for it. The Big 12 had a ton of teams that could score points and move up and down the floor and although Oklahoma gave up 62.7 points per game this year they ended the regular season as the sixth-best team in the country in defensive efficiency.
Rebounding will be a key to tonight’s game as well. The Sooners are one of the better rebounding teams in the country, especially on defense where they don’t allow second-chance opportunities. If they can keep the Flyers off the offensive glass, it limits Dayton’s ability to get some easy points.
Dyshawn Pierre scored 20 points against Providence, Jordan Sibert knocked down three triples and added 15. Sibert allows Dayton to extend opposing defenses with his ability to knock down perimeter shots.
Oklahoma didn’t blow out Albany in its first game, but they did get 18 from TaShawn Thomas and 15 from Buddy Hield. The Sooners have some nice options on the offensive end, including Isaiah Cousins on the perimeter and Ryan Spangler down in the post. All four averaged double digits for Oklahoma during the regular season.
Oklahoma wins the game based on their defense, the pressure on Dayton and in rebounding.
Free Pick: Oklahoma 70, Dayton 63
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