Texas A&M Commerce vs Oklahoma Picks and Prediction – 11/22/2024

The Texas A&M-Commerce Lions (1-4) visit the Oklahoma Sooners (3-0) in a non-conference matchup. The Lions are coming off a heavy 81-46 loss to UConn, while the Sooners cruised past Stetson 85-64 in the last outing. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Texas A&M-Commerce has struggled offensively, averaging just 64.2 points per game on 40.9% shooting. Guard Khaliq Abdul-Mateen leads the scoring at 11.8 points per game but has been inconsistent, shooting only 36.2% from the field. Forward Demarco Bethea adds 5.2 rebounds per game, but the Lions' overall rebounding effort (33.2 RPG) lags behind most teams. The offense struggles to generate opportunities, reflected in a meager 10.4 assists per game. Defensive efforts haven’t been enough to compensate, as they allow 83.2 points per game. With limited shot-blocking presence (1.2 blocks per game), stopping the Sooners' frontcourt will be a tall order.

Defensively, the Lions have relied on turnovers to stay competitive, averaging 8.4 steals per game. Evan Phelps leads the way with 2.0 steals per contest. However, the perimeter defense has been porous, and they’ve struggled against teams with strong ball movement. The inability to defend the interior consistently will likely be exploited by Oklahoma’s big men.

The Sooners, by contrast, are firing on all cylinders, averaging 83.7 points per game while shooting an efficient 48.4% from the field. Forward Jalon Moore has been sensational, leading with 22.0 points per game on 58.5% shooting. Guard Kobe Elvis orchestrates the offense, dishing out 4.3 assists per game while contributing 14 points. Rebounding has been a strength, as forward Sam Godwin dominates the glass with 11.7 rebounds per game, giving Oklahoma a significant advantage on the boards. 

Defensively, Oklahoma has been stout, allowing just 60.3 points per game. Jeremiah Fears' 2.3 steals per game showcases the Sooners' active hands on defense, while Godwin anchors the paint. They’ve held opponents to under 35% shooting from deep. 

Oklahoma’s superior scoring ability, rebounding dominance, and lockdown defense will likely overwhelm Texas A&M-Commerce. Expect Jalon Moore and Sam Godwin to shine against an overmatched Lions defense. Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma wins 88-55.