Oklahoma vs Rhode Island Predictions / Picks / Preview

The Oklahoma Sooners somehow convinced the selection committee that they deserve to get in the National Tournament, but their stay in the Big Dance could end right away, as they face the dangerous Rhode Island Rams. Will the Sooners advance? Or will the Rams send Trae Young and company packing?

Betting Preview for the Oklahoma Sooners vs. Rhode Island Rams College Basketball Game on March 15, 2018

Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh

When: Thursday, March 15, 12:15 PM ET

Line: Oklahoma Sooners (n/a) vs. Rhode Island Rams (n/a) – view all NCAA Basketball lines

TV Broadcast: CBS

Betting on the Oklahoma Sooners (18-13)

Trae Young and the Sooners’ appearance in the Big Dance remains debatable, but the invitation they got could spark this team that has been struggling so much this season. Oklahoma has won just two of its last 10 games, including a 71-60 loss to Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament. Young hasn’t been efficiently shooting the rock of late, and considering how big a burden is on his back to carry the Sooners, it’s clear that Oklahoma will go as far as where he takes the team. Young is averaging 27.4 points and 8.8 assists per game this season. The bigger problem for the Sooners, however, appears to be their defense that ranks 334rd in the nation with 81.6 pints allowed per game. With Young on top of their offense, the Sooners finished the regular season second overall with 85.2 points per game.

Betting on the Rhode Island Rams (25-7)

Rhode Island is going to be a hefty test for a Sooners team we could consider lucky to be dancing. Rhode Island does not have Oklahoma’s offense, but the Rams can keep the Sooners on their eye level on that end of the floor with their superior defense. The Rams is 55th in the nation with only 67.9 points allowed. They are one of the best when it comes to forcing turnovers, as evidenced by their opponents’ average of 15.9 miscues per game – 11th most in Division I basketball. While the Sooners’ defense is probably as strong as a wet paper bag, Rhode Island has to be careful handling the ball, as it is also prone to errors, averaging 10.7 turnovers per outing. The Rams’ experience can come into play. They only have one freshman and five seniors.