The Davidson Wildcats and Oklahoma State Cowboys will meet at Gallagher-Iba Arena on March 17, in a game that holds significant implications for both teams' conference tournament positioning. With Davidson sitting at 10-8 in the Atlantic 10 and Oklahoma State at 6-12 in the Big 12, each side is looking to bolster their seeding and momentum heading into their respective postseasons. As the Davidson Wildcats, now simply Davidson, and the Oklahoma State Cowboys, now Oklahoma State, take to the court, the narrow margins that separate these evenly matched teams will be on full display.
The outcome of this contest will have a direct impact on the conference tournament landscape, as both teams seek to gain an edge in their pursuit of an automatic bid. Given their current standing, both Davidson and Oklahoma State are reliant on winning their conference tournaments to extend their seasons. With the model predicting a tightly contested affair, favoring Oklahoma State by a mere two points, this game promises to be a thrilling matchup between two teams with their sights set on conference tournament success. As the teams clash in Stillwater, the national audience will be treated to a glimpse of the high-stakes competition that defines the world of college basketball.
Averaging 18.3 points per game is not a mark reached by any single player on Davidson's roster, but the team's leading scorer, , has managed 12.2 points per game, complemented by 3.5 rebounds. His 45% three-point shooting is a notable asset, although the data does not specify this statistic for Roberts Blums, it is crucial for the team. With a record of 20-13, including 10-8 in the Atlantic 10 conference, the team has shown resilience, particularly in its recent wins, such as the 68-63 victory at St. Bonaventure, where ' contributions were likely pivotal, given his 11.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
The team's recent form has been marked by inconsistency, with losses to Saint Joseph's, both at home and away, and wins against Loyola Chicago and La Salle. In these games, 's 10.7 points per game and 's 7.9 points per game have been crucial in securing victories. 's 6.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game have also played a role in the team's performance, and his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor will be important in the upcoming game. With a NET ranking of 115, the team faces a challenging opponent in Oklahoma State, and the performances of Roberts Blums, Josh Scovens, Parker Friedrichsen, Sam Brown, and Devin Brown will be key to determining the outcome.
Averaging 17.2 points per game, has been the team's leading scorer, with Parsa Fallah's 14.7 points per game providing significant support. His 6.0 rebounds per game have also been crucial, as Oklahoma State has struggled at times to control the boards. The team's recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to TCU and Houston in their last five games, although they did manage to secure wins against Colorado and UCF during that stretch.
With a record of 19-14, Oklahoma State is looking to bounce back from a tough loss to TCU, and players like , , and will be key to their success. His 45% three-point shooting has been a notable aspect of Kanye Clary's game, while Jaylen Curry's 3.6 assists per game have helped to facilitate the team's offense. Meanwhile, Vyctorius Miller's 10.9 points per game have provided a spark off the bench, and his ability to score from multiple levels will be important against a strong Davidson defense.
Key Matchups
The matchup between Davidson's Josh Scovens and Oklahoma State's Parsa Fallah will be pivotal in determining the outcome of this game. Scovens, with his well-rounded statistics, will need to contain Fallah, who averages a team-high 6.0 rebounds per game. If Scovens can limit Fallah's impact on the glass and in the paint, it could disrupt Oklahoma State's offense and create opportunities for Davidson to capitalize on turnovers and transition baskets.
Fallah's ability to score and rebound will test Scovens's defensive skills, and the outcome of this individual battle will have a significant impact on the team's overall performance. If Scovens can hold his own against Fallah, Davidson may be able to establish a strong defensive presence and create a path to victory. Conversely, if Fallah dominates the matchup, Oklahoma State's offense could flourish, making it difficult for Davidson to keep pace.
CHD Scout Prediction
Davidson
75
Oklahoma State
77
Based on the model's prediction, which favors Oklahoma State by a narrow 77-75 margin with a 57.3% win probability, I agree that the Cowboys will emerge victorious. The primary reason for this pick is the significant disparity in NET rankings between the two teams, with Oklahoma State holding a substantial advantage at #74 compared to Davidson's #115. This suggests that Oklahoma State has performed more consistently against stronger competition throughout the season, which should give them an edge in this matchup.
Tournament Stakes
As the regular season winds down, both Davidson and Oklahoma State are focused on positioning themselves for a deep run in their respective conference tournaments, with the Wildcats seeking to climb the Atlantic 10 standings and the Cowboys aiming to secure a favorable seed in the Big 12 tournament. A win for either team would not only boost their conference tournament prospects but also provide a much-needed momentum boost heading into the postseason. Given the Quadrant designations, this game is a Quad 2 contest for Oklahoma State and a Quad 1 game for Davidson, highlighting the disparity in their schedules and the challenges they have faced. With their postseason fate largely tied to their conference tournament performance, the outcome of this game will have significant implications for each team's program trajectory, and ultimately, Oklahoma State's ability to win this game will be a crucial test of their ability to overcome adversity and make a legitimate push for a conference championship.