The Look-Ahead: November 18th

The Look-Ahead feature previews the night's top game (games on special occassions) and provides insight and a prediction on the contest with the most national impact or a game that I just want to rant about.

(21) DAVIDSON at (12) OKLAHOMA
9:30 PM, ESPN2
Line: Oklahoma by 3

- Two All-Americans on the floor at the same time in an early season showdown to see who goes to NYC for the Preseason NIT semis. Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin has been unbelieveable in two games in Norman. Griffin is averaging 22 and 19 in the two Sooner victories over teams who could not sustain his power for 40 minutes. Davidson's Stephen Curry is averaging 31 points and 10 assists in his previous two games. Both players deserve to be in the mix for national POY, and both will be featured come March. Curry should be able to penetrate into the lane tonight against an inexperienced Sooner backcourt. If Curry can get into the lane enough he will be able to find shooters in open gaps and Davidson can hang around. The problem Davidson faces is matching up with Griffin. The ball should go through Griffin once a possession to attract double teams and create space for the Sooner guards to utilize their athleticism. Davidson will be rolling out a front line of 6'8 and 6'7 while Griffin's 6'10, 250 frame will be waiting on the block of the Lloyd Noble Center.
The pick: Griffin should have no problem going for 25 and 10 here, and while Curry should spring for 25+ again I just don't see Davidson being able to maintain power against Oklahoma's size for the entire game. A real entertaining watch here, but the Sooners get it done 72-65.

Keep an eye on:
- TN-Martin @ Tennessee; Lester Hudson gets his first stab at the big stage, and I wouldn't be surprised if he goes for 30 and keeps Martin in the game awhile. UT's athleticism should keep the Vols on track though.

- St. John's @ Boston College; Tyrese Rice in his final go-round with the Eagles will need to bring it to the table after the Johnnies showed a little bit of life in destroying Cornell Monday night.

- Kentucky @ North Carolina; All those VMI memories will be a distant fade if Billy Gillespie can muster up a win over North Carolina. I wouldn't urge Lexington to get their hopes up.

- South Alabama @ Mississippi; How much do the Jaguars miss Daon Merritt in the backcourt? We'll be able to tell tonight in a tough road test that helped team USA boost their resume last season.