Game Primer: How to Watch, Key Players and Important Information for Oklahoma State at Kansas

Everything you need to know as the Jayhawks host the Cowgirls with a chance to get right back into the thick of the conference.

The Kansas Jayhawks got back on the winning side with a huge upset of the #4 Baylor Bears earlier this week. They aren't looking to give up any of that momentum as they host the Oklahoma State Cowgirls with a chance to double their season conference wins.

The Cowgirls are led by 2nd-year head coach Jacie Hoyt, who has a 31-17 record at the school. She how never defeated the Jayhawks in her coaching career. She was 0-2 in her five seasons at Kansas City, and lost both matchups last season. Kansas head coach Brandon Schneider has a 7-11 record against the Cowgirls in his time with the Jayhawks.

Oklahoma State leads the overall series 41-39, but the Jayhawks hold an 18-17 edge in Lawrence. Kansas has won the last four in the series. Oklahoma State last won in Lawrence during the 2021 season.

Before today's important matchup, here are the essentials:

The Numbers

Editor's Note: Unless otherwise noted, all stats are provided by CBB Analytics. CBB Analytics is a new stats website in college hoops, covering both men and women's basketball in D-I, D-II and D-III. You can follow them on Twitter @CBBAnalytics

Kansas: 8-7 (1-3 Big 12): CBB Analytics Adjusted Net Rating - 45th overall, 44th offense, 59th defense

Oklahoma State: 10-5 (3-1 Big 12): Net Rating - 51st overall, 47th offense, 77th defense

Line: -4.5

O/U: 138.5

How to Watch

Saturday, January 13th, 6:30 p.m. CST

Lawrence, KS: Allen Fieldhouse

TV: Big 12 NOW on ESPN+

- Dave Stewart (Play-by-Play), Wayne Simien (Analyst)

Radio: IMG Jayhawk Radio Network

- Steven Davis (Play-by-Play), David Lawrence (Analyst)

Webcast: Kansas Online Radio

Game Coverage

Follow along during the game for live updates on Twitter or on our LIVE Blog.

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Opponent Team Form

It has been an up and down season for the Cowgirls this year, as they were unable to pick up a win against a Power 5 team in the non-conference slate. But conference play has been a different story. After dropping the conference opener against the Iowa State Cyclones, they have three convincing wins over three conference opponents.

 On offense, the team shoots very well, especially from inside the paint. But they only average about 10 more two point attempts per game than three pointers. They don't pass the ball particularly well but they don't get blocked often. They struggle on the offensive glass, but they also don't turn the ball over.

On defense, they have struggled with affecting their opponents shots, including allowing a large number of threes. They tend to play higher scoring games, and for as bad as they are on offensive boards, they are equally as good at preventing the opponent from getting those rebounds.

Players to Watch

Hannah Gusters - 6'5" Junior Forward

15.0 pts, 3.9 rebs, 0.1 asts, 0.6 blks, 0.6 stls, 57.0% 2P%

The leading scorer for this team, Gusters helps control the inside, although she isn't the fantastic at rebounding, leaving most of that to her teammates.

Anna Gret Asi - 5'8" Junior Guard

13.7 pts, 2.9 rebs, 4.4 asts, 1.5 stls, 0.3 blks, 37.0% 3P%

Gret Asi is one of the higher-volume three point shooters on the team, but also leads the team in assists. The offense runs through her to a degree, and she'll be dangerous if Kansas leaves her alone too much.

Stailee Heard - 5'11" Freshman Guard

14.5 pts, 6.0 rebs, 2.2 asts, 1.5 stls, 62.7% 2P%

The freshman has made an immediate impact on this team, piling on the points and being the main rebounder, especially after Kansas transfer Chandler Prater went down with an injury earlier in the year.

Matchups to Watch

The Jayhawks looked rejuvenated in the game against Baylor, with Taiyanna Jackson having a huge impact on the inside and taking over the game. She has the same ability to do that here, but her defense might be an even bigger deal. 

The halfcourt defense of the Jayhawks will be big, especially if they can deny entry passes into the paint. Oklahoma State isn't afraid to shoot it from outside, but they are the most successful when they can play the high-low game to create opportunities.

Prediction

I learned my lesson picking against Kansas last time, as we finally saw why this team was picked as highly in the preseason as they were. I don't expect Oklahoma State to provide the same challenge, especially since their wins have come against teams that are expected to struggle in the conference this year and an injured TCU squad.

Kansas 76, Oklahoma State 61.

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